Psychology
What is it?
Unit 1 Lesson 1
Overview
1. Roots of Modern Psychology
2. Perspectives on Psychology
Learning Objectives
- Learn the origins of modern psychology
- Recognize the contributions of pioneers in the
field
- Compare and contrast early perspectives of
psychology
- Define psychology
Emergence of Psychology
Psychology is rooted in two major disciplines:
- Philosophy: Ideas about how knowledge an be
acquired.
- Natural Science: Progress in understanding the
nervous system, etc.
- These two fields were blended together to
apply methods of natural science to
understand behaviour
Philosophical Roots
Two main ideas from philosophy influenced
Modern Psychology
1. Empiricism: the belief that knowledge can be
gained through careful observation
2. Rationalism: the belief that knowledge can be
gained through logic and reasoning
By using observation to note behaviour, and
reasoning to deduce the causes of such
behaviour, Psychology was born.
Natural Science Roots
Advances in physiology contributed to the
interest in, and development of, Psychology
Physiology: branch of science that studies the
functions of living organisms (differs from
anatomy, which studies the structures)
Important Contributors
In the 19th Century…
1. Johannes Muller described how signals were
conducted by nerves in the body.
2. Hermann von Helmholtz reported on how receptors
in the eyes and ears receive and interpret sensations.
3. Gustav Fechner demonstrated that seemingly hidden
mental events, such as sensations, can be measured.
These advances led to the belief that scientific methods
could be used to study human behaviour.
Wilhelm Wundt (1832-1920)
- Strong supporter of using scientific methods
to study behaviour.
- In 1879, convinced colleagues at University of
Leipzig on the validity of science as an
independent science.
- This led to the funding for the 1st laboratory
dedicated to scientific research.
Now…What to Study?
1.Structuralism
VS.
2. Functionalism
Vs.
3. Behaviourism
1. Structuralism
- Wundt believed that Psychology should study
what goes on inside of our minds
(consciousness)
- This was known as structuralism, as it focused
on the structure of human consciousness.
- Wundt used introspection to study
sensations, feelings, and images inside the
minds of others (a self-descriptive method).
2. Functionalism
- William James led a group of Psychologists who
felt that the important area to study was the
function of consciousness, not its structure.
- Their argument relied on Darwin’s work on
evolution Consciousness is a human trait,
therefore it must form some sort of evolutionary
advantageous function.
- Their focus was on how consciousness helps
humans cope and adapt with their changing
surroundings.
Limitations of Structuralism and
Functionalism
- Self-descriptive
- Non-reproducible
- Non-observable
3. Behaviourism
- The shift of psychological inquiry to focus on
the observable led to the demise of
Functionalism and Structuralism– and led to the
birth of behaviourism.
- John B. Watson argued that only observable
activities can be measured using scientific
methods.
- Watson argued that internal events (thoughts,
images, feelings, and intentions) were not
measureable.
Cognitive Revolution
- Yet another change in the focus on Psychology
- Used newly available technology to capture
information on events thought to be ‘internal’.
- Computers played a large role in this revolution.
They allowed for precise measurements and
exact exposures to certain stimuli.
- Medical equipment also allowed for countless
new recordings to be made of brain activity.
- Increased research into mental processes such as
memory further led to increased interest in the
study of mental processes and events.
So…
Behaviour: any observable action by a living
organism.
- Overt: anything we say and do
- Subtle: electrical activity within the brain
Cognitive processes: all aspects of mental life:
memories, thoughts, mental images,
reasoning and decision making.
…Psychology is
Psychology is the
science of behaviour
and cognitive
processes.
Questions
1. Explain the influence of both physiology and philosophy on
modern psychology.
2. Do you agree that the principles of empiricism and
rationalism can be applied to thoughts, feelings, and
reasoning? Why or why not.
3. Describe the contributions of Muller, von Helmholtz, and
Fechner.
4. How did Wundt and Watson’s views of psychology differ?
Whose viewpoint ultimately prevailed?
5. What led to the cognitive revolution? What was the
influence it had on Psychology?
6. Why do psychologists define behaviour as ‘any observable
action by a living organism’. What impact does this have on
their field of study?