Gestalt Psychology vs. Structuralism in Psychology

Introduction to Psychology - Chapter 1

• Psychology is the scientific study of mind and behavior.
• It involves the scientific method, observable phenomena, and testable hypotheses.
• Psychology draws upon various disciplines, including biology and philosophy.
• Clive Wearing's case exemplifies the study of memory and its connection to the brain.
• Psychology's roots lie in Greek mythology, specifically the story of Psyche.

History of Psychology

• Wilhelm Wundt is considered the founder of psychology as a formal discipline.
• Wundt established the first psychology laboratory in 1879, using introspection as a method.
• Structuralism, a perspective developed by Wundt, focused on the elements of conscious experience.
• The focus shifted to functionalism with William James, who emphasized how mental processes help organisms adapt.
• Freud established psychoanalysis as a method of treatment.
• Freud believed the unconscious mind played a major role in shaping behavior.
• Gestalt psychology, emphasizing the "whole" of perception, challenged Wundt's structuralist approach.
• Behaviorism, promoted by Watson and Skinner, focused on observable behavior's influences and consequences.
• Key figures in humanism, like Maslow and Rogers, emphasized human potential and the study of healthy individuals and their growth.
• The cognitive revolution shifted the focus back to the mind, addressing mental processes.
• The emergence of the cognitive revolution fostered interdisciplinary cooperation between scientists.
• Feminist psychology emerged as a result of recognizing biases in the previously dominant models.

Contemporary Psychology

• Contemporary psychology is diverse with subfields like biological, clinical, and social psychology.
• There are diverse specializations within psychology reflected in professional organizations like the American Psychological Association (APA).
• Biopsychology explores the biological foundations of behavior.
• Cognitive psychology focuses on mental processes like memory, problem-solving, and language.
• Developmental psychology examines how behavior changes across the lifespan.
• Personality psychology studies enduring patterns of behavior.
• Health psychology explores the effects of psychological factors on health.
• Social psychology examines how individuals interact and relate to each other.
• Industrial-organizational psychology uses psychological principles in workplaces.
• Sport and exercise psychology studies the roles of psychology in sports and exercise.
• Forensic psychology applies psychology to the legal system.

Careers in Psychology

• Psychologists work in various settings, often requiring a doctoral degree (PhD or PsyD).
• Academic careers commonly involve teaching and research, often requiring a dissertation.
• Psychologists also work in clinical settings, business, and hospitals.
• Careers in academic settings often involve teaching and research.
• Postdoctoral training programs are common for many careers in psychological practice.
• Various options exist for careers that do not require a PhD, such as those in the public sector, social work, or other public service areas.