13 Questions
What was the primary focus of B.F. Skinner's work?
Observable behavior and its consequences
What characterized the humanist approach in psychology?
An emphasis on the unique qualities of humans, especially their freedom and potential for personal growth
What significant development occurred in psychology during the 1950s?
A renewed interest in consciousness and cognition
What did the humanist approach emphasize about human nature?
Its freedom and potential for personal growth
What aspect of human experience was emphasized by the increased interest in evolution and culture?
Its complex and dynamic nature
What is the main focus of psychology as a scientific discipline?
The scientific investigation of mental processes and behavior
Who is credited with establishing the first psychological laboratory in 1876?
Wilhelm Wundt
What was the main objective of Edward Tichener's structuralism?
To analyse consciousness into its basic elements
What was the main focus of William James' functionalism?
To investigate the function or purpose of consciousness
What was the main focus of John B. Watson's behaviorism?
To study only observable behavior
What is the main idea of Gestalt psychology?
Psychological phenomena are best viewed as organized, structured wholes
What is the main idea of Sigmund Freud's psychoanalysis?
The study of the unconscious mind and its influence on behavior
What is the name of the approach that focused on the study of observable behavior, developed by B.F. Skinner?
Radical behaviorism
Study Notes
Definition of Psychology
- Psychology is the scientific investigation of mental processes (thinking, remembering, feeling), behaviour, and the interaction between them.
- It considers the individual's biology, psychological experience, and cultural context to understand human thought, feeling, and action.
Wilhelm Wundt
- Established the first psychological laboratory in 1876.
- Tried identifying the elements of consciousness through trained introspection.
Structuralism vs. Functionalism
- Structuralism (Edward Tichener): aimed to analyse consciousness into its basic elements and investigate their relationships.
- Functionalism (William James): focused on the function or purpose of consciousness, using objective methods, comparative psychology, and applying findings to practical situations.
Consciousness vs. Behaviour
- Behaviourism (John B. Watson): only observable behaviour should be studied, considering overt responses or activities.
Gestalt Psychology
- Max Wertheimer: psychological phenomena are best viewed as organized, structured wholes rather than component elements, with context influencing interpretation.
Freud and the Unconscious
- Psychoanalysis (Sigmund Freud): the unconscious contains thoughts, memories, and desires that influence behaviour, operating below conscious awareness.
Return to Behaviourism
- Radical Behaviourism (B.F. Skinner): focused on observable behaviour, where organisms repeat responses leading to positive outcomes and avoid those leading to negative outcomes.
Humanism
- Abraham Maslow and Carl Rogers: humanists emphasize human freedom, potential for personal growth, and unique human qualities, holding an optimistic view of human nature.
Developments in Psychology
- The 1950s saw a renewed interest in consciousness (cognition) and understanding the biological bases of behaviour.
- This era experienced significant growth in psychology as a profession.
- There was increased interest in the impact of evolution, culture, and social, historical, and evolutionary context on human experience.
Learn about the scientific study of mental processes, behavior, and their interactions, including the contributions of Wilhelm Wundt, the first psychological laboratory, and the factors that influence human thought and action.
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