Key Figures in Psychology

Key Figures in Psychology

• Jean Piaget: Known for theories on child development; emphasized stages of cognitive development.
• Albert Bandura: Developed Social Learning Theory; highlighted the role of observational learning, imitation, and modeling in behavior.
• Albert Ellis: Introduced Behavior Therapy; proposed rational emotive behavior therapy (REBT) to address irrational beliefs.
• Martin Seligman: Founder of Positive Psychology; focused on strengths and factors that contribute to human flourishing.
• John B. Watson: Established Behaviorism; concentrated solely on observable behaviors, dismissing introspection.
• B.F. Skinner: Pioneered operant conditioning; emphasized reinforcement and punishment in shaping behavior.
• Abraham Maslow: Created the Hierarchy of Needs; identified stages of needs from physiological to self-actualization.
• Carl Rogers: Emphasized self-actualization and the importance of a supportive environment for personal growth.
• Edward Titchener: Worked on breaking down behavior through structuralism; focused on the elements of conscious experience.
• Sigmund Freud: Founder of psychoanalysis; explored the influence of the subconscious mind on behavior.
• Ivan Pavlov: Known for classical conditioning; demonstrated learning through associations in observable behavior.
• William Wundt: Established the first psychology laboratory; aimed to study conscious experience scientifically.
• William James: Advocated for functionalism; studied the whole mental system as it relates to adaptation and behavior.

Psychological Perspectives

• Evolutionary Psychology: Focuses on survival mechanisms and reproduction as key drivers of behavior.
• Psychodynamic Approach: Explores how past experiences influence current behavior; emphasizes unconscious drives.
• Behavioral Approach: Examines both positive and negative reinforcement in shaping behavior through external stimuli.
• Cognitive Psychology: Investigates mental processes such as intelligence, perception, problem solving, language, and learning.
• Humanistic Psychology: Concentrates on individual choices and the potential for personal growth; stresses the importance of self-fulfillment.
• Sociocultural Perspective: Analyzes how culture, beliefs, values, and language shape individual behavior and perceptions.

Explore the influential figures in psychology who shaped the field with their groundbreaking theories and approaches. This quiz covers key concepts from Jean Piaget's child development stages to Martin Seligman's focus on positive psychology. Test your knowledge on these pivotal contributions to understanding human behavior and mind.