The History of Psychology

1. The History of Psychology • Phrenology: Different areas of the brain account for specific character and personality traits. Traits were read from bumps on the skull. • An example of pseudoscience

2. The History of Psychology • 1897 the first psychology lab was founded by Wilhelm Wundt • Wundt used a method called trained introspection, or structuralism • Structuralism emphasized the analysis and description of sensations, mental images, and emotional reactions.

3. The History of Psychology • William James introduced functionalism which emphasized the function of behavior • Asked how various actions help a person adapt to the environment

4. The History of Psychology • Gestalt Psychology had its roots in Germany. Gestalt means “good form” or “good figure.” • People naturally seek out patterns or “wholes” in the sensory information available to them.

5. The History of Psychology • Sigmund Freud- patients’ stress due to conflicts, memories and emotional traumas that originated in early childhood and were too threatening to be remembered consciously • Method of treatment known as psychoanalysis

6. The History of Psychology • John B. Watson- introduced behaviorism which focused on observable behavior that could be measured • Believed that all behavior is learned

7. Psychology’s Present • Psychodynamic perspective- unconscious dynamics within an individual • Behavioral perspective- how environment/experience affects actions • Humanist psychology- emphasizes free will, personal growth, achievement of potential

8. Psychology’s Present • Biopsychological perspective- how bodily events affect behavior, feelings, thoughts • Cognitiveperspective-how people reason, remember understand language, solve problems, etc.- what goes on in people’s heads • Socioculturalperspective-social and cultural forces outside the person • Evolutionarypsychology-how genetically influenced behavior that was adaptive during evolutionary past is currently reflected

9. Where Are Psychologists Today • Conducting research in university or business settings • Teaching in universities • Providing mental health services

10. Psychological Research • Ph.D or Ed.D. • Basicresearch-interested in knowledge for its own sake • Applied research-concerned with practical uses of knowledge

11. Psychological Practice • Psychotherapist- does psychotherapy; may or may not have a degree • Clinical Psychologist- diagnoses and treats mental and emotional problems; has Ph.D., Psy.D or Ed.D. • Psychoanalyst-practices psychoanalysis • Psychiatrist- M.D. can prescribe medication • Licensed Clinical Social Worker- treats common individual and family problems; may deal with more serious problems like addiction or abuse