Introduction to Psychology

What is Psychology

  • Study of brain and behavior.

Ancient Psychology

  • Concepts of evil spirits influencing behavior.
  • Historical ailments:
    • "Hysteria" linked with "floating uterus" theory.
  • Phrenology: Study of skull bumps (1880s).

Early Roots of Psychology (Stepping Stones towards Modern Psychology)

  • Rene Descartes (early 1600s): Proposed mind/body duality.
  • John Locke (late 1600’s): Introduced concept of "tabula rasa" (blank slate).
  • Charles Darwin (1859): Developed Theory of Evolution impacting psychology.
  • Gustav Fechner (1860): First to study psychological processes methodically.

The Early Years of Psychology

  • Wilhelm Wundt: Established first Psychology lab in 1879; known for founding Structuralism.
  • E.B. Titchener: Helped develop structuralist theory further.
  • William James: Founded Functionalism focusing on how mental processes help organisms adapt.
  • G. Stanley Hall: First U.S. Psychology lab; founded APA (American Psychological Association).
  • John B. Watson: Known as father of Behaviorism; focused on observable behavior.
  • Sigmund Freud: Known as father of Psychoanalysis; emphasized the unconscious mind.

Behaviorism vs. Psychoanalysis

  • Behaviorism:

    • Studies observable behaviors.
    • Emphasizes environment and experience.
    • Methods include reinforcement and punishment.
    • Key Figures: Watson, Skinner, Cover-Jones, Locke.

  • Psychoanalysis:

    • Focuses on unconscious motivations and childhood conflicts.
    • Emphasizes drives and instincts.
    • Key Figure: Sigmund Freud.

Examples of Behaviorism vs. Psychoanalysis

  1. Behaviorist: Zach is polite due to polite role models.
  2. Psychoanalyst: Willie’s issues are due to repressed childhood trauma.
  3. Behaviorist: Bertha excels because she redirects competitiveness as a first-born.
  4. Behaviorist: Jane studies hard to gain parental praise due to learned reinforcement.
  5. Psychoanalyst: Zach needs self-esteem support to realize his full potential.

Different Approaches to Psychology

  • Behavioral: Role of environment and experience.
  • Biological: Genetics and brain/body chemistry focus.
  • Cognitive: How people think and remember.
  • Evolutionary: Traits aiding survival.
  • Humanistic: Focus on personal growth and self-esteem.
  • Psychodynamic: Modern adaptation of Psychoanalysis.
  • Socio-Cultural: Norms and behaviors differing across cultures.
  • Biopsychosocial Approach: Integrative model combining biological, psychological, and social factors.

Early Women in Psychology

  • Mary Whiton Calkins:
    • Tutored by William James.
    • First female president of APA.
  • Margaret Floy Washburn:
    • First woman to earn a PhD in psychology.
    • Considered the “Jackie Robinson” of psychology; faced professional barriers.
  • Today, women earn 2/3 of all psychology PhDs.

Group Challenge: Family Tree of Psychology

  • Create a visually appealing family tree of psychology including influential figures and concepts.

Evolutionary Approach to Anxiety Disorders

  • Explore how evolutionary principles can elucidate the emergence of anxiety disorders in modern humans.

Self-Analysis Exercise

  1. Identify a personal trait, skill, or characteristic.
  2. Trace its behavioral roots—how and why was this trait reinforced in your upbringing?