Overview
This lecture traces the historical development of psychology in America from its philosophical and physiological roots to its emergence as a scientific discipline, highlighting major figures, movements, and the impact of social issues on the field.
Precursors and Foundations
- Early psychology grew from philosophy (Locke, Reid) promoting empiricism: knowledge comes from experience.
- Physiology (Helmholtz) and psychophysics (Weber, Fechner) showed that mental processes could be measured scientifically.
- Wilhelm Wundt founded experimental psychology and established the first psychology lab in 1879.
Structuralism and Functionalism
- Edward Titchener introduced structuralism in America, focusing on the contents of the mind and introspection.
- William James, Hall, and Cattell advanced functionalism, studying what the mind does and its adaptive functions.
- Functionalism was influenced by Darwin’s evolutionary theory and encouraged broader research, including animals and children.
Growth and Major Schools
- American psychology rapidly established laboratories, journals, and the APA (founded 1892).
- Gestalt psychology (Wertheimer, Koffka, Köhler, Lewin) emphasized studying whole experiences, influencing later cognitive psychology.
- Behaviorism (Watson, Skinner) dominated mid-20th-century psychology, focusing on observable behavior and learning through conditioning.
- Cognitive psychology (Bruner, Miller, Brown) emerged in the 1950s, emphasizing mental processes and memory.
Applied and Professional Psychology
- Intelligence testing began with Binet and was adapted in the U.S. by Terman and Goddard.
- Psychology applied to military, industry, education, and therapy (Witmer founded clinical psychology).
- Professional standards developed with the AAAP, merging with the APA after WWII to address clinical training needs.
- Training models: scientist-practitioner (Boulder, 1949) and practitioner-scholar (Vail, 1973, introducing the Psy.D.).
Psychology and Social Change
- Psychologists contributed to social issues such as challenging sex-based stereotypes (Woolley, Hollingworth).
- Clark & Clark’s research influenced the Supreme Court’s decision to desegregate schools in 1954.
- Evelyn Hooker’s work led to the de-pathologizing of homosexuality.
- The Association of Black Psychologists (1968) and SPSSI (1936) advanced advocacy for marginalized groups.
Key Terms & Definitions
- Empiricism — Knowledge comes from experience.
- Introspection — Reporting internal experiences as a research method.
- Structuralism — Study of the elements of conscious experience.
- Functionalism — Focus on the purpose of consciousness and behavior.
- Psychophysics — Study of relationships between physical stimuli and perception.
- Gestalt psychology — Study of holistic experience; "the whole is greater than the sum of its parts."
- Behaviorism — Study of observable behavior, rejecting inner mental states.
- Cognitive psychology — Study of mental processes.
- Eugenics — Selective breeding to promote desired traits.
- Scientist-practitioner model — Training emphasizing research and practice.
- Practitioner-scholar model — Training focusing mainly on clinical practice.
- Individual differences — Variations among people in behavior and cognition.
- Consciousness — Awareness of self and environment.
Action Items / Next Steps
- Review major figures and schools of thought for exam preparation.
- Reflect on the discussion questions: psychophysics' importance, psychology’s role in social issues, and applications to public life.
- Study the definitions of key terms for upcoming quizzes.
- Read more on the contributions of women and people of color in psychology.