Table of ContentsView AllTable of ContentsImportance of HistoryBackgroundPsychologyStructuralismFunctionalismPsychoanalysisBehaviorismHumanismCognitive PsychologyContinued GrowthWomen in the Field
Table of ContentsView All
View All
Table of Contents
Importance of History
Background
Psychology
Structuralism
Functionalism
Psychoanalysis
Behaviorism
Humanism
Cognitive Psychology
Continued Growth
Women in the Field
Close
While the psychology of today reflects the discipline’s rich and varied history, the origins of psychology differ significantly from contemporary conceptions of the field. In order to gain a full understanding of psychology, you need to spend some time exploring its history and origins.
How did psychology originate? When did it begin? Who were the people responsible for establishing psychology as a separate science?
Why Study Psychology History?
Contemporary psychology is interested in an enormous range of topics, looking at human behavior and mental process from the neural level to the cultural level.Psychologistsstudy human issues that begin before birth and continue until death. By understanding the history of psychology, you can gain a better understanding of how these topics are studied and what we have learned thus far.
From its earliest beginnings, psychology has been faced with a number of questions. The initial question of how to define psychology helped establish it as a science separate from physiology and philosophy.
Additional questions that psychologists have faced throughout history include:
Background: Philosophy and Physiology
While psychology did not emerge as a separate discipline until the late 1800s, its earliest history can be traced back to Egypt, Greece, China, Persia, and India. In the 17th century, the French philosopher Rene Descartes introduced the idea of dualism, which asserted that the mind and body were two entities that interact to form the human experience.
So what makes psychology different from philosophy? While early philosophers relied on methods such as observation and logic, today’s psychologists utilize scientific methodologies to study and draw conclusions about human thought and behavior.
Physiology also contributed to psychology’s eventual emergence as a scientific discipline. Early physiological research on the brain and behavior had a dramatic impact on psychology, ultimately contributing to applying scientific methodologies to the study of human thought and behavior.
Psychology Emerges as a Separate Discipline
During the mid-1800s, a German physiologist namedWilhelm Wundtwas using scientific research methods to investigate reaction times. His book, published in 1873, “Principles of Physiological Psychology,” outlined many of the major connections between the science of physiology and the study of human thought and behavior.
He later opened theworld’s first psychology labin 1879 at the University of Leipzig. This event is generally considered the official start of psychology as a separate and distinct scientific discipline.
How did Wundt view psychology? He perceived the subject as the study of humanconsciousnessand sought to applyexperimental methodsto studying internal mental processes. While his use of a process known asintrospectionis seen as unreliable and unscientific today, his early work in psychology helped set the stage for future experimental methods.
An estimated 17,000 students attended Wundt’s psychology lectures, and hundreds more pursued degrees in psychology and studied in his psychology lab. While his influence dwindled as the field matured, his impact on psychology is unquestionable.
Structuralism: Psychology’s First School of Thought
Edward B. Titchener, one of Wundt’s most famous students, would go on to found psychology’s first majorschool of thought.According to thestructuralists, human consciousness could be broken down into smaller parts. Using a process known as introspection, trained subjects would attempt to break down their responses and reactions to the most basic sensation and perceptions.
While structuralism is notable for its emphasis on scientific research, its methods were unreliable, limiting, and subjective. When Titchener died in 1927, structuralism essentially died with him.
The Functionalism of William James
Psychology flourished in America during the mid- to late-1800s.William Jamesemerged as one of the major American psychologists during this period and publishing his classic textbook, “The Principles of Psychology,” established him as the father of American psychology.
His book soon became the standard text in psychology and his ideas eventually served as the basis for a new school of thought known as functionalism.
FunctionalismThe focus of functionalism was about how behavior actually works to help people live in their environment. Functionalists utilized methods such as direct observation to study the human mind and behavior.
The focus of functionalism was about how behavior actually works to help people live in their environment. Functionalists utilized methods such as direct observation to study the human mind and behavior.
Both of these early schools of thought emphasized human consciousness, but their conceptions of it were significantly different. While the structuralists sought to break down mental processes into their smallest parts, the functionalists believed that consciousness existed as a more continuous and changing process.
While functionalism quickly faded as a separate school of thought, it would go on to influence later psychologists and theories of human thought and behavior.
The Emergence of Psychoanalysis
Up to this point, early psychology stressed conscious human experience. An Austrian physician namedSigmund Freudchanged the face of psychology in a dramatic way, proposing a theory of personality that emphasized the importance of the unconscious mind.
Freud’s clinical work with patients suffering fromhysteriaand other ailments led him to believe that early childhood experiences and unconscious impulses contributed to the development of adult personality and behavior.
In his bookThe Psychopathology of Everyday Life,Freud detailed how these unconscious thoughts and impulses are expressed, often through slips of the tongue (known as"Freudian slips") anddreams. According to Freud,psychological disordersare the result of these unconscious conflicts becoming extreme or unbalanced.
How Psychoanalysis Influenced the Field of Psychology
The Rise of Behaviorism
Behaviorism had its earliest start with the work of a Russian physiologist namedIvan Pavlov. Pavlov’s research on the digestive systems of dogs led to his discovery of theclassical conditioningprocess, which proposed that behaviors could be learned via conditioned associations.
Pavlov demonstrated that this learning process could be used to make anassociationbetween aneutralenvironmental stimulus and anaturallyoccurring stimulus.
An American psychologist namedJohn B. Watsonsoon became one of the strongest advocates of behaviorism. Initially outlining the basic principles of this new school of thought in his 1913 paperPsychology as the Behaviorist Views It, Watson later went on to offer a definition in his classic book “Behaviorism”(1924), writing:
“Behaviorism…holds that the subject matter of human psychologyis the behavior of the human being.Behaviorism claims that consciousness is neither a definite nor a usable concept.”
John B. WatsonThe behaviorist, who has been trained always as an experimentalist, holds further that belief in the existence of consciousness goes back to the ancient days of superstition and magic.
John B. Watson
The behaviorist, who has been trained always as an experimentalist, holds further that belief in the existence of consciousness goes back to the ancient days of superstition and magic.
The impact of behaviorism was enormous, and this school of thought continued to dominate for the next 50 years. Psychologist,B.F. Skinnerfurthered the behaviorist perspective with his concept ofoperant conditioning, which demonstrated the effect ofpunishmentandreinforcementon behavior.
While behaviorism eventually lost its dominant grip on psychology, the basic principles of behavioral psychology are still widely in use today.
Therapeutic techniques such asbehavior analysis, behavioral modification, and token economies are often utilized to help children learn new skills and overcome maladaptive behaviors, while conditioning is used in many situations ranging from parenting to education.
The Focus on Human Potential
American psychologistCarl Rogersis often considered to be one of the founders of this school of thought. While psychoanalysts looked at unconscious impulses and behaviorists focused on environmental causes, Rogers believed strongly in the power of free will and self-determination.
Carl RogersThe curious paradox is that when I accept myselfjust as I am,then I can change.
Carl Rogers
The curious paradox is that when I accept myselfjust as I am,then I can change.
How Humanistic Psychology Can Help You Live a Better Life
During the 1950s and 1960s, a movement known as the cognitive revolution began to take hold in psychology. During this time, cognitive psychology began to replace psychoanalysis and behaviorism as the dominant approach to the study of psychology. Psychologists were still interested in looking at observable behaviors, but they were also concerned with what was going on inside the mind.
Since that time, cognitive psychology has remained a dominant area of psychology as researchers continue to study things such as perception, memory, decision-making, problem-solving, intelligence, and language.
The introduction of brain imaging tools such as MRI and PET scans have helped improve the ability of researchers to more closely study the inner workings of the human brain.
What Is Cognitive Psychology?
Psychology Continues to Grow
As you have seen in this brief overview of psychology’s history, this discipline has seen dramatic growth and change since its official beginnings in Wundt’s lab. The story certainly does not end here.
Psychology has continued to evolve since 1960 and new ideas andperspectiveshave been introduced. Recent research in psychology looks at many aspects of the human experience, from the biological influences on behavior on the impact of social and cultural factors.
Today, the majority of psychologists do not identify themselves with a single school of thought. Instead, they often focus on a particular specialty area or perspective, often drawing on ideas from a range of theoretical backgrounds. This eclectic approach has contributed new ideas and theories that will continue to shape psychology for years to come.
A Historical Timeline of Modern Psychology
Women in Psychology History
A number ofwomen made important contributionsto the early history of psychology, although their work is sometimes overlooked.
A few pioneering women psychologists included:
A Word From Verywell
In order to understand how psychology became the science that it is today, it is important to learn more about some of the historical events that have influenced its development.
While some of the theories that emerged during the earliest years of psychology may now be viewed as simplistic, outdated, or incorrect, these influences shaped the direction of the field and helped us form a greater understanding of the human mind and behavior.
9 SourcesVerywell Mind uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.Mehta N.Mind-body dualism: A critique from a health perspective.Mens Sana Monogr. 2011;9(1):202-209. doi:10.4103/0973-1229.77436Blumenthal AL.A Wundt Primer. In: Rieber RW, Robinson DK, eds.Wilhelm Wundt in History.Springer; 2001. doi:10.1007/978-1-4615-0665-2_4Patanella D.Titchener, Edward Bradford. In: Goldstein S, Naglieri JA, eds.Encyclopedia of Child Behavior and Development. Boston: Springer; 2011. doi:10.1007/978-0-387-79061-9De Sousa A.Freudian theory and consciousness: A conceptual analysis.Mens Sana Monogr. 2011;9(1):210-217. doi:10.4103/0973-1229.77437Wolpe J, Plaud JJ.Pavlov’s contributions to behavior therapy. The obvious and not so obvious.Am Psychol. 1997;52(9):966-972. doi:10.1037//0003-066x.52.9.966Staddon JE, Cerutti DT.Operant Conditioning.Annu Rev Psychol. 2003;54:115-144. doi:10.1146/annurev.psych.54.101601.145124Koole SL, Schlinkert C, Maldei T, Baumann N.Becoming who you are: An integrative review of self-determination theory and personality systems interactions theory.J Pers. 2019;87(1):15-36. doi:10.1111/jopy.12380Block M.Maslow’s hierarchy of needs. In: Goldstein S, Naglieri JA, eds.Encyclopedia of Child Behavior and Development. Springer; 2011. doi:10.1007/978-0-387-79061-9Russo NF, Denmark FL.Contributions of women to psychology.Ann Rev Psychol. 1987;38:279-298. doi:10.1146/annurev.ps.38.020187.001431Additional ReadingFancher RE, Rutherford A.Pioneers of Psychology. W.W. Norton; 2016.Lawson RB, Graham JE, Baker KM.A History of Psychology. Routledge; 2007.
9 Sources
Verywell Mind uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.Mehta N.Mind-body dualism: A critique from a health perspective.Mens Sana Monogr. 2011;9(1):202-209. doi:10.4103/0973-1229.77436Blumenthal AL.A Wundt Primer. In: Rieber RW, Robinson DK, eds.Wilhelm Wundt in History.Springer; 2001. doi:10.1007/978-1-4615-0665-2_4Patanella D.Titchener, Edward Bradford. In: Goldstein S, Naglieri JA, eds.Encyclopedia of Child Behavior and Development. Boston: Springer; 2011. doi:10.1007/978-0-387-79061-9De Sousa A.Freudian theory and consciousness: A conceptual analysis.Mens Sana Monogr. 2011;9(1):210-217. doi:10.4103/0973-1229.77437Wolpe J, Plaud JJ.Pavlov’s contributions to behavior therapy. The obvious and not so obvious.Am Psychol. 1997;52(9):966-972. doi:10.1037//0003-066x.52.9.966Staddon JE, Cerutti DT.Operant Conditioning.Annu Rev Psychol. 2003;54:115-144. doi:10.1146/annurev.psych.54.101601.145124Koole SL, Schlinkert C, Maldei T, Baumann N.Becoming who you are: An integrative review of self-determination theory and personality systems interactions theory.J Pers. 2019;87(1):15-36. doi:10.1111/jopy.12380Block M.Maslow’s hierarchy of needs. In: Goldstein S, Naglieri JA, eds.Encyclopedia of Child Behavior and Development. Springer; 2011. doi:10.1007/978-0-387-79061-9Russo NF, Denmark FL.Contributions of women to psychology.Ann Rev Psychol. 1987;38:279-298. doi:10.1146/annurev.ps.38.020187.001431Additional ReadingFancher RE, Rutherford A.Pioneers of Psychology. W.W. Norton; 2016.Lawson RB, Graham JE, Baker KM.A History of Psychology. Routledge; 2007.
Verywell Mind uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.
Mehta N.Mind-body dualism: A critique from a health perspective.Mens Sana Monogr. 2011;9(1):202-209. doi:10.4103/0973-1229.77436Blumenthal AL.A Wundt Primer. In: Rieber RW, Robinson DK, eds.Wilhelm Wundt in History.Springer; 2001. doi:10.1007/978-1-4615-0665-2_4Patanella D.Titchener, Edward Bradford. In: Goldstein S, Naglieri JA, eds.Encyclopedia of Child Behavior and Development. Boston: Springer; 2011. doi:10.1007/978-0-387-79061-9De Sousa A.Freudian theory and consciousness: A conceptual analysis.Mens Sana Monogr. 2011;9(1):210-217. doi:10.4103/0973-1229.77437Wolpe J, Plaud JJ.Pavlov’s contributions to behavior therapy. The obvious and not so obvious.Am Psychol. 1997;52(9):966-972. doi:10.1037//0003-066x.52.9.966Staddon JE, Cerutti DT.Operant Conditioning.Annu Rev Psychol. 2003;54:115-144. doi:10.1146/annurev.psych.54.101601.145124Koole SL, Schlinkert C, Maldei T, Baumann N.Becoming who you are: An integrative review of self-determination theory and personality systems interactions theory.J Pers. 2019;87(1):15-36. doi:10.1111/jopy.12380Block M.Maslow’s hierarchy of needs. In: Goldstein S, Naglieri JA, eds.Encyclopedia of Child Behavior and Development. Springer; 2011. doi:10.1007/978-0-387-79061-9Russo NF, Denmark FL.Contributions of women to psychology.Ann Rev Psychol. 1987;38:279-298. doi:10.1146/annurev.ps.38.020187.001431
Mehta N.Mind-body dualism: A critique from a health perspective.Mens Sana Monogr. 2011;9(1):202-209. doi:10.4103/0973-1229.77436
Blumenthal AL.A Wundt Primer. In: Rieber RW, Robinson DK, eds.Wilhelm Wundt in History.Springer; 2001. doi:10.1007/978-1-4615-0665-2_4
Patanella D.Titchener, Edward Bradford. In: Goldstein S, Naglieri JA, eds.Encyclopedia of Child Behavior and Development. Boston: Springer; 2011. doi:10.1007/978-0-387-79061-9
De Sousa A.Freudian theory and consciousness: A conceptual analysis.Mens Sana Monogr. 2011;9(1):210-217. doi:10.4103/0973-1229.77437
Wolpe J, Plaud JJ.Pavlov’s contributions to behavior therapy. The obvious and not so obvious.Am Psychol. 1997;52(9):966-972. doi:10.1037//0003-066x.52.9.966
Staddon JE, Cerutti DT.Operant Conditioning.Annu Rev Psychol. 2003;54:115-144. doi:10.1146/annurev.psych.54.101601.145124
Koole SL, Schlinkert C, Maldei T, Baumann N.Becoming who you are: An integrative review of self-determination theory and personality systems interactions theory.J Pers. 2019;87(1):15-36. doi:10.1111/jopy.12380
Block M.Maslow’s hierarchy of needs. In: Goldstein S, Naglieri JA, eds.Encyclopedia of Child Behavior and Development. Springer; 2011. doi:10.1007/978-0-387-79061-9
Russo NF, Denmark FL.Contributions of women to psychology.Ann Rev Psychol. 1987;38:279-298. doi:10.1146/annurev.ps.38.020187.001431
Fancher RE, Rutherford A.Pioneers of Psychology. W.W. Norton; 2016.Lawson RB, Graham JE, Baker KM.A History of Psychology. Routledge; 2007.
Fancher RE, Rutherford A.Pioneers of Psychology. W.W. Norton; 2016.
Lawson RB, Graham JE, Baker KM.A History of Psychology. Routledge; 2007.
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