Psychology Chapter: Mind Theories

Study Notes

Focused on the components of the mind using introspection, which involves self-reflection and analysis of internal experiences.
Criticized for lacking objectivity; not scientifically valid for studying emotions or animal behavior.
Unable to address complex issues such as mental disorders.

Emerged in response to structuralism, led by William James.
Argued studying the mind's structure is futile; emphasized the mind's fluidity and continuous nature.
Advocated for studying the mind's functions—how it operates and adapts to the environment.
Introspection was also a key method in functionalist studies.

"Gestalt" means form or whole; opposed structuralism's reductionist approach.
Argued that to understand human experience, it is essential to view it as a complete whole rather than dissecting into parts.
Developed principles like:
- Simplicity: Interpret visual scenes in the simplest way.
- Figure-Ground: Distinguish between focal points and background.
- Phi Phenomenon: Illusion of motion from rapidly sequential images.
- Proximity: Objects nearby are perceived as grouped.

Founded by Sigmund Freud, focusing on the mind's dynamics rather than just structure or function.
Introduced foundational concepts like the Id, Ego, and Superego.
- Ego: Mediates between Id's desires and reality, operates on the reality principle.
- Superego: Develops through morality, opposing Id's impulses to adhere to societal standards.
Other notable figures in psychoanalysis: Carl Jung, Anna Freud, Erik Erikson.

Followers of Freud (e.g., Alfred Adler, Karen Horney) revised some of his theories.
Critiqued Freud's focus on innate drives, emphasizing social, cultural, and interpersonal factors in behavior development.

Alfred Adler: Individuals strive for superiority to overcome feelings of inferiority.
Harry Stack Sullivan: Emphasized the importance of establishing rewarding relationships to reduce anxiety.
Karen Horney proposed personality types:
- Compliant Personality: Drawn to others, seeks love and validation.
- Aggressive Personality: Tests competitiveness and seeks admiration.
- Detached Personality: Values independence and self-reliance.

Challenged previous schools of thought for their focus on the mind; initiated by John B. Watson in the 1920s.
Proposed that all behaviors are results of environmental stimuli, advocating observable behavior as key to understanding psychology.
Influential figures in behaviorism include B.F. Skinner and Edward Thorndike.