Origins of Psychology - Approaches [A-Level Psychology]
Psych Boost・14 minutes read
Psychology is the scientific study of the brain and behavior, with Wilhelm Wundt being the first to study behavior scientifically and establish the basis for studying the brain and behavior. Different psychological approaches are introduced, ranging from introspection to observable stimulus-response mechanisms, genetic sequences, and inherited behaviors.
Insights
- Wilhelm Wundt is credited as the pioneer of experimental psychology, establishing the first psychological laboratory and introducing the concept of structuralism to study mental processes.
- Psychology encompasses diverse approaches, from behaviorism focusing on observable stimulus-response mechanisms to cognitive psychology studying internal mental states, highlighting the field's evolution and multifaceted nature.
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Recent questions
What is psychology?
The scientific study of the brain and behavior.
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Summary
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Origins and Evolution of Psychology Science
- Psychology is defined as the scientific study of the brain and behavior, emerging around 150 years ago.
- Wilhelm Wundt is considered the first to study behavior scientifically, establishing the basis for studying the brain and behavior scientifically.
- A timeline of psychology is presented, introducing different psychological approaches to be covered in-depth later.
- Science is defined as systematically and objectively studying the physical and natural world using empirical methods like observation and experimentation.
- Wilhelm Wundt, the father of experimental psychology, established the first psychological laboratory and introduced structuralism in studying mental processes.
- Wundt used introspection to study sensation and perception, making inferences about mental processes based on participants' behavior.
- Wundt's work is praised for its scientific approach but criticized for the subjective nature of introspection and reliance on inferences.
- Behaviorists rejected introspection, focusing on observable stimulus-response mechanisms, while cognitive psychologists study internal mental states through tasks.
- Humanists emphasized free will and self-actualization, contrasting with behaviorists' deterministic views.
- Biological psychology, rooted in medicine, uses tools like fMRI scanners to study brain activity and genetic sequences to explore inherited behaviors and mental health conditions.
