Introduction to Experimental Psychology

Experimental Psychology Overview

• An experiment is a controlled research method where independent variables are manipulated to test a hypothesis about a dependent variable.
• Allows evaluation of causal relationships while managing confounding variables.
• Experimental research aims to understand future behaviors and the effects of treatments or changes.

Historical Milestones

• 1874: Wilhelm Wundt published "Principles of Physiological Psychology," the first textbook in experimental psychology and established the first psychology lab, marking the discipline's foundation.
• 1875: William James opened a psychology lab in the U.S. for class demonstrations, not original research.
• 1879: Wundt founded the first experimental psychology lab in Leipzig, Germany, signifying the start of modern experimental psychology.
• 1883: G. Stanley Hall opened the first experimental psychology lab in the U.S. at Johns Hopkins University.
• 1885: Herman Ebbinghaus published "On Memory," detailing his self-experimentation on learning and memory.
• 1887: George Truball Ladd published "Elements of Physiological Psychology," the first significant American textbook in the field.
• 1887: James McKeen Cattell established the third experimental psychology lab at the University of Pennsylvania.
• 1890: William James released "The Principles of Psychology," a seminal work in the discipline.
• 1891: Mary Whiton Calkins established an experimental psychology lab at Wellesley College, becoming the first woman to do so.
• 1893: G. Stanley Hall founded the American Psychological Association, the largest professional group for psychologists in the U.S.
• 1920: John B. Watson and Rosalie Rayner's "Little Albert Experiment" demonstrated classical conditioning of emotional responses.
• 1929: Edwin Boring published "A History of Experimental Psychology," influential in the promotion of experimental methods.
• 1955: Lee Cronbach introduced construct validity in psychological testing, enhancing research methodologies.
• 1958: Harry Harlow conducted attachment experiments using rhesus monkeys, contributing to understanding of love in psychology.
• 1961: Albert Bandura's Bobo doll experiment showcased the effects of observational learning on aggression.

Psychology in the Philippines

• Psychology instruction began in the Philippines at the University of San Carlos and the University of Santo Tomas in the 17th century.
• 1938: Fr. Angel de Blas established the first experimental psychology lab in the Philippines at UST.

Characteristics of Modern Science

• Modern science is grounded in experimentation and significantly influences daily life, from technology to health.
• Science impacts many aspects, including daily decisions and conveniences, emphasizing its importance in everyday activities.