History of Psychology

Question 1

Where did Psychology evolve from?

Answer 1

Psychology evolved out of philosophy and biology/physiology.

Question 2

What word is psychology derived from?

Answer 2

The word psychology is derived from the Greek word psyche, meaning ‘soul’ or ‘mind.’

Question 3

Structuralism

Answer 3

an early school of thought promoted by Wundt and Titchener; used introspection to reveal the structure of the human mind.

Question 4

Key People in Structuralism

Answer 4

Edward B. Titchener, along with Wilhelm Wundt

Question 5

Wilhelm Wundt

Answer 5

• Regarded as the father of psychology.
• He was interested in measuring ‘atoms of the mind’ by applying laboratory techniques
• He established the first psychology laboratory in Leipzig, Germany, in 1879
• Structuralism was further developed by Wundt’s student, Edward B. Titchener.

Question 6

Edward B. Titchener

Answer 6

He was the student of Wilhelm Wundt.

Titchener used introspection to search for the mind’s structural
elements.

Question 7

Importance of Structuralism

Answer 7

• First school of thought;

* Paved the way for experimental and cognitive psychology.

Question 8

Limitations of Structuralism

Answer 8

structuralism’s technique of introspection proved somewhat unreliable. It required smart, verbal people, and its results varied from person to person and experience to experience.

Question 9

Functionalism

Answer 9

an early school of thought promoted by James and influenced by Darwin; explored how mental and behavioral processes function—how they enable the organism to adapt, survive, and flourish.

Question 10

Who’s the father of Functionalism ?

Answer 10

William James, the renowned American psychologist of the late 19th century.

James was heavily influenced by Darwin’s theory of evolution, and was critical of the structural approach to psychology that had dominated the field since its foundation.

Question 11

Importance of Functionalism

Answer 11

• Functionalists helped expand the focus of psychological research. They moved away from the structuralists’ attempt to look only at the structure of the mind and focused more on the function of behaviour.
• Functionalism made it possible for psychologists to consider research with animals, children and people with mental health problems as worthwhile and significant.

• By considering the importance of the function of behavior, emotions, thoughts and
other mental activity, functionalism paved the way for Evolutionary Psychology.