Key Figures and Concepts in Psychology

Study Notes

Owen Gingerich: Considers the brain the most complex object in the universe.
Cognitive Psychology: Examines processes including memory, intelligence, perception, language, and learning.
Aristotle: Early psychologist who explored the connection between body and psyche through observation and inquiry.
Wilhelm Wundt: Established the first psychology lab in 1879 at the University of Leipzig; recognized as the father of experimental psychology. Introduced measured observations and experiments to the field.
Edward Titchener: A Wundt pupil who emphasized introspection and self-report data to explore mental experiences.
Structuralism: A psychological perspective focusing on understanding the structure of the mind via introspection.

Covert Behavior: Refers to internal mental processes; not directly observable.
Overt Behavior: Observable actions and reactions of individuals.

William James: Developed functionalism, focusing on the purpose of thoughts and behaviors in relation to survival. Authored "Principles of Psychology."
Mary Whiton Calkins: Renowned memory researcher and first female APA president; denied a Harvard PhD due to gender biases.
Margaret Floy Washburn: Second female APA president who authored "The Animal Mind" and faced gender barriers in academia.

Psychology is now viewed as "the science of behavior and mental processes," integrating neuroscience.

Behaviorism:
- John B. Watson: Demonstrated classical conditioning using Little Albert's fear of rabbits.
- B.F. Skinner: Pioneered operant conditioning, training animals through reward systems.
Freudian/Psychoanalytic Psychology:
- Sigmund Freud: Focused on the unconscious mind's influence on behavior and childhood experiences in treating mental disorders.
Humanistic Psychology:
- Carl Rogers: Advocated for self-actualization and acceptance.
- Abraham Maslow: Researched successful individuals to understand thriving rather than pathological behavior.

Nature: Refers to genetic or innate traits and their establishment at birth.
Nurture: Encompasses environmental factors influencing behavior and development.

Biological Level:
- Focuses on genetics, hormones, brain mechanisms, and natural selection.
Psychological Level:
- Investigates learned behaviors, emotional responses, and cognitive processes.
Social-Cultural Level:
- Considers societal influences, cultural expectations, and peer pressure on behavior.

Neuroscience: Explores the connection between the brain, body, emotions, and sensory experiences.
Evolutionary: Analyzes how natural selection shapes gene survival.
Behavior Genetics: Investigates the interaction of genes and environmental factors on individual differences.
Psychodynamic: Studies unconscious motivations and conflicts in behavior.
Behavioral: Focuses on observable responses and learning.
Cognitive: Examines mental processes related to information processing, storage, and retrieval.
Social-Cultural: Explores how behavior diverges across different cultures and contexts.

Biological Psychology: Analyzes the biological foundations of behavior.
Clinical Psychology: Focuses on diagnosing and treating mental disorders.
Developmental Psychology: Studies human growth throughout the lifespan.
Counseling Psychology: Applies psychological principles to assist individuals and groups.
Educational Psychology: Investigates how psychological principles apply to educational settings and learning.