Overview of the historical development of psychology in America.
Importance of understanding the field's roots to comprehend its current state.
Learning Objectives
Describe precursors to psychology.
Identify key individuals/events in American psychology.
Recognize the rise of professional psychology.
Understand scientific development processes.
Recognize contributions of women and people of color.
A Prehistory of Psychology
Philosophical Roots:
John Locke and Thomas Reid promoted empiricism (knowledge through experience).
Early 1800s: Mental and moral philosophy taught in American colleges.
Physiology and Psychophysics
Key Figures:
Hermann von Helmholtz measured neural impulses, studied sensory deception.
Ernst Weber & Gustav Fechner developed psychophysics (measuring physical stimuli & perception).
Wilhelm Wundt:
Established experimental psychology.
First psychology lab in 1879, promoting introspection to study consciousness.
Psychology in the United States
Edward Bradford Titchener:
Brought structuralism to America, focusing on the contents of the mind.
American Psychological Association (APA):
Founded in 1892 to organize and promote psychology.
Society of Experimental Psychologists formed in 1904.
Functional Psychology
Key Figures:
William James, G. Stanley Hall, James McKeen Cattell influenced by Darwin's theory.
Functionalism: Focused on mind's activities and adaptation.
Contributions:
James wrote "Principles of Psychology."
Hall founded first U.S. psych lab, APA, and mentored first African American Ph.D. in psychology.
Growth of Psychology
Gestalt Psychology:
Emphasized whole experiences over reductionist views.
Behaviorism:
Led by John B. Watson and B. F. Skinner, focused on observable behavior.
Cognitive Psychology:
Gained prominence in the 1950s and 60s, studying mental processes and memory.
Applied Psychology
Intelligence Testing:
Developed by Alfred Binet, standardized in the U.S. by Lewis Terman.
Contributions to Society:
Applied psychology in military, business, and education.
Clinical psychology initiated by Lightner Witmer.
Psychology as a Profession
Professional Standards:
WWII accelerated the need for clinical psychologists.
Training models developed, such as the scientist-practitioner model.
Psychology and Society
Social Impact:
Psychologists have challenged social biases and stereotypes.
Notable contributions from Mamie Phipps Clark, Kenneth Clark in desegregation.
Conclusion
Psychology has expanded and diversified in the 20th century.
Importance of understanding historical context for current practices.
Timeline of Key Events
1600s: Rise of empiricism.
1879: First psychology lab by Wundt.
1892: APA established.
1950s: Cognitive psychology rises.
1973: Psy.D. proposed.
Additional Resources
Podcast and web links for further exploration of psychology's history.
Discussion Questions
Importance of psychophysics, psychologists' roles in social issues, application to public problems, and descriptions of functionalism and structuralism.
Vocabulary
Definitions of key terms like behaviorism, cognitive psychology, structuralism, etc.