1.2 History of Psychology

Lesson 1 1.2 History of Psychology

 Essential Question

How can psychology be applied to everyday life? 

 Objectives

Upon completion of this section, you will be able to:

1. Discuss the importance of Wundt and James in the development of psychology.
2. Analyze Freud’s influence on psychology.
3. Interpret the basic tenets of Gestalt psychology.
4. Describe the important role that behaviorism played in psychology’s history.
5. Summarize the basic tenets of humanism.
6. Understand how the cognitive revolution shifted psychology’s focus back to the mind.

 Readings

Openstax Psychology

Chapter 1

1.3 History of Psychology Links to an external site.

 Introduction

Psychology is the scientific study of the mind and behavior. When you think of a psychologist, do you think of a specific individual? Do you imagine someone laying on a couch telling their secrets to a doctor? Have you heard of William Wundt, Sigmund Freud, or Abraham Maslow? As society evolves so does psychology.  

 Key points

Throughout history, there have been several key schools of thought developed in the field of Psychology.  The most important of these are listed below. Other schools of Psychology include Cognitive, Feminist, and Multicultural Psychology.

 Discussion

After you work through the content in this section, complete the discussion board assignment: Discussion Board 1.2