Classic perspectives & theories in
psychology
The starting date of psychology as a science is considered
to be 1879, the year in which the first psychology
research laboratory was established by Wundt.
Structuralism
Functionalism
Psychoanalysis
Wilhelm Wundt
William James
Sigmund Freud
1842-1910
1856-1939
1832-1920
‘Psychology should
experimentally study
the elements of
consciousness, how
they are organised &
and how they are
interrelated.’
‘Psychology should
study how behaviour
& mental processes
allow organisms to
adapt to their
environments.’
‘Psychology should
study how
unconscious conflicts
influence behaviour
and mental
processes that occur
at the conscious
level’
Classic perspectives & theories in
psychology
Behaviourism
Humanism
John B. Watson
Carl Rogers
1878-1958
‘Psychology should
scientifically study
observable
behaviour that can
be objectively
measured and not
focus on
consciousness’
1902-1987
‘Psychology should
emphasise each
person’s uniqueness
as they strive to
reach their full
potential as a
human being’
Contemporary
Perspectives &
theories in
Psychology
•Biological perspective
•Behavioural perspective
•Cognitive perspective
•Socio-cultural perspective
Wilhelm Wundt
1832-1920
Perspective: Structuralism
Focus of study: Understanding & explaining the structure
of consciousness by breaking it down into parts such as
thoughts, feelings, sights, sounds & other sensations &
how the parts are organised and how they are
interrelated.
Method of study: Wundt approached study of
consciousness experimentally in his laboratory. He
used a data collection technique called introspection –
requires participants to reflect on their thoughts and
other mental experiences and then report these to the
researcher who would then analyse them.
Wilhelm Wundt
Example of theory: Wundt measured the speed
of mental processes by measuring precisely
how long it took participants to consciously
detect both the sight & sound of a bell being
struck or to look at a block of twelve letters for
a fraction of a second and immediately report
as many letters as they could remember.
William James
1842-1910
Perspective: Functionalism
Focus of study: Understanding the functions or
purpose that mental processes serve in
enabling people to adapt to their
environment. He stressed the importance of
the adaptability of consciousness and our
ability to change our behaviour when
necessary to function effectively in a
constantly changing environment.
William James
Method of study: Psychological research can include
direct observations of people and animals in their
natural environments.
Example of theory: James published the Principles of
Psychology where he presented many original ideas on
a wide range of topics such as consciousness, the
relationship between conscious experience and the
body, individual differences in people, sensation,
perception, memory & emotion.
James - description of consciousness
‘a never-ending, constantly changing stream of thoughts,
feelings and sensations’
Sigmund Freud
1856-1939
Perspective: Psychoanalysis
Focus of study: Focuses on the role of unconscious
conflicts and motivations in understanding and
explaining behaviour & mental processes. Freud
believed that the unconscious contained instinctive
sexual & aggressive needs. If we act on these
instinctive needs, our behaviour would be socially
unacceptable. Conflicts arise between our attempts to
satisfy our impulses & urges & what is acceptable in
real world. These conflicts occur in our unconscious
level of our mind. Sometimes we get glimpses of our
unconscious impulses. E.g dreams, slips of tongue,
jokes etc.
Sigmund Freud
Method of study: Freud developed his theories from his
work with patients with mental health problems. He
drew observations from his family & reflections on his
own personal thoughts, feelings & behaviour. Freud
did not conduct scientific research such as laboratory
experiments to test his theories.
Example of theory: Freud developed the first theory in
relation to personality development. Freud describes 5
different stages of personality & the different types of
conflicts or emotional events that arise in each. We
need to successfully resolve these conflicts if we are to
have a healthy personality. Freud also developed a
psychoanalytic theory of mental illnesses.
John B. Watson
1878-1958
Perspective: Behaviourism
Focus of study: Understanding and explaining
how behaviour is learned and moulded by
experience. We tend to repeat behaviours
that we find rewarding in some way and avoid
or not repeat behaviours we associate with
punishment. As rewards & punishments are
in our environment, we are controlled by our
environment.
John B. Watson
Method of study: Psychology should focus on the
scientific study of observable behaviour that could be
objectively measured and confirmed by researchers.
Watson conducted research on learning primarily with
animals in carefully controlled laboratory conditions.
Example of theory: Watson focused many experiments
using animals on the roles of rewards and punishment
on learning. Greater control could be exercised over
the ‘learning’ experiences of animals in laboratory
experiments.
Carl Rogers
1902-1987
Perspective: Humanism
Focus of study: Understands and explains behaviour and
mental processes that focuses on the uniqueness of
each individual person and the positive qualities and
potential of all human beings to fulfil their lives. Rogers
emphasised our free will (all individuals who freely
choose to behave in whatever way we desire and act
according to our choices, changing along the way if we
choose to). We control our own destinies. Behaviour
is not caused, or determined, by things outside our
control.
Carl Rogers
Method of study: Rogers used case studies of his work
with people who sought his professional assistance.
Rogers did little scientific research to test his theories
and ideas.
Example of theory:
Person centred theory of personality- proposes that our
personality develops as we strive to overcome the
various hurdles that we face in our attempts to reach
our full potential
Client centred therapy – clients (patients) have the power
and motivation to help themselves with the guidance
of a therapist.
Abraham Maslow
1908-1970
Perspective: Humanism
Focus of theory: All people are motivated to
fulfil a hierarchy of needs which is inborn.
These needs range from survival needs up to
those that will enable a person to fulfil their
potential. Self actualisation is the highest of
growth needs and cannot be achieved until all
the lower-level basic needs have been at least
partly satisfied.