Psychology Over Time

Question 1

What is Psychology?

Answer 1

Scientific study of the human mind and its functions

Question 2

When was psychology ‘born’?

Answer 2

1. 1875
2. Researcher William Wundt opened up a lab to study ppl’s thoughts
3. Before, ppl were only interested in the brain’s anatomy not its functions

Question 3

What inspired the beginning of psychological research?

Answer 3

1. Cases like Gage’s inspired research into how the brain was involved in the control of specific behaviours
2. Limited understanding of how the brain and human behaviour were linked, but began to make connections

Question 4

What was developed in 1924?

Answer 4

1. Hans Burger developed the EEG

2. Led to modern forms of brain scanning e.g. MRI, PET

Question 5

What is an MRI, EEG and PET scan?

Answer 5

1. MRI = Magnetic Resonance Imaging

• scans the brain with electromagnets
• accurate photos of brain activity
• understanding of those LIVING with brain damage

2. PET = Position Emission Tomography
   - imagery showing levels of energy used throughout the brain
3. EEG = Electroencephalogram

• measures LIVE brain activity with electrodes
• shows which specific parts of the brain are involved during diff activities
• significant b/c other studies would’ve been done post-mortem

Question 6

What happened in 1938 and 1951?

Answer 6

1. 1938: ECT developed by Cerletti to alleviate schizophrenia and psychosis symptoms

• intentionally induces brief seizures with electrical shocks
• very controversial

2. 1951: First drug to treat depression - Imipramine (tricyclic)

Question 7

What modern technologies have been developed since 1875?

Answer 7

High powered microscopes

1. Can show how synapses work
2. Develop theories about behaviour
3. Investigate behaviour at level of a neuron