Psych._Chap._1_Midterm.docx

Psychology Perspectives

• Functionalism

  • William James’ perspective, which focuses on the function of behavior in a given environment.

  • Natural selection leads to the adaptation of organisms, influencing behavior.

  • Emphasizes the whole mind's functions over its individual parts unlike structuralism.

  • Uses empirical methods: observation, experimentation, and data collection.

• Introspection

  • Introduced mainly by Wilhelm Wundt; a method of self-examination of conscious experience.

  • Used in very specific experimental conditions to observe scientifically repeatable experiences of the mind.

  • Essential for understanding the structure of consciousness.

Key Figures in Psychology

• Wilhelm Wundt (1832–1920)

  • A German physiologist and philosopher, regarded as one of the fathers of modern psychology.

  • Distinguished psychology from philosophy and biology, advocating for structuralism.

  • Used introspection to analyze the components of consciousness.

• B.F. Skinner (1904–1990)

  • An American behaviorist who focused on how behavior is shaped by reinforcement and punishment.

  • Developed the operant conditioning chamber (Skinner Box) for studying behavior modification.

• Abraham Maslow (1908–1970)

  • Proposed the hierarchy of human needs, linking basic survival needs to higher psychological ones.

  • Emphasized self-actualization as the pinnacle of human motivation.

Gestalt Psychology

• Principles Introduced by:

  • Max Wertheimer, Kurt Koffka, Wolfgang Köhler; emphasized holistic processing in perception.

  • Gestalt translates to “whole,” pointing to the importance of whole experiences over parts.

• Gestalt Principles

  • Good Figure: Objects are perceived together as single units.

  • Proximity: Objects close to each other are grouped together.

  • Similarity: Similar objects tend to be perceived together.

  • Continuation: Perception tends to favor continuous forms.

  • Closure: Filling in gaps creates a complete form in perception.

  • Symmetry: Figures are perceived as symmetrical around their center.

Humanism and Cognitive Psychology

• Carl Rogers

  • Emphasized unconditional positive regard—accepting clients as they are.

  • Believed in innate human goodness and potential for self-actualization.

• Humanism Overview

  • A perspective emphasizing personal control, intentionality, and an inherent predisposition for good.

  • Major proponents: Abraham Maslow and Carl Rogers.

• Cognitive Psychology

  • Focuses on understanding how individuals acquire, process, store, and utilize information.

Timeline of Psychological Theories

• Order of Development:

  • Structuralism → Functionalism → Behaviorism → Humanism.

Notable Figures in Psychology

• First African American Psychologist

  • Cecil Sumner, first to receive a PhD in psychology in the U.S. (1920), established a psychology program at Howard University.

• First Woman to Earn a PhD

  • Margaret Floy Washburn, the first woman to obtain a doctoral degree in psychology in the U.S. (1894).

Multicultural Psychology

• Strengths

  • Increases cultural awareness and reduces bias.

  • Empowers clients with personalized therapeutic techniques.

• Weaknesses

  • Risks of overgeneralization and limited research on specific cultures.

  • Potential lack of cultural competence among therapists impacting effectiveness.

Careers and Degrees in Psychology

• Common Careers

  • Clinical Psychologists, Counselors, Forensic Psychologists, School Psychologists.

• Degree Levels

  • Associate, Bachelors, Masters, Doctoral.