Pre-Scientific Era:
- Ancient Greece (circa 500-300 BCE): Philosophers like Socrates, Plato, and Aristotle discussed mental phenomena, proposing ideas on soul, mind, and reason.
- Medieval Europe (circa 500-1500): Psychology was influenced by religious and philosophical doctrines, focusing on introspection and spiritual experiences.
Early Scientific Roots:
- 16th-17th Centuries: Anatomists and physiologists conducted early investigations into the brain and nervous system, laying the foundation for physiological psychology.
- 18th Century: Philosophers like David Hume and Immanuel Kant explored the nature of perception and knowledge, contributing to the development of cognitive psychology.
Founding of Psychology as a Discipline:
- 1879: Wilhelm Wundt establishes the first psychological laboratory in Leipzig, Germany. This marks the official birth of psychology as an experimental science.
- Structuralism (1890s-1920s): Led by Edward Titchener, aimed to identify the basic building blocks of consciousness through introspection and analysis.
Functionalism (Early 20th Century):
- Developed in opposition to structuralism, emphasized the adaptive functions of mental processes.
- Led by William James, John Dewey, and Harvey Carr, who investigated how the mind helps organisms adjust to their environment.
Behaviorism (1920s-1950s):
- Founded by John B. Watson, focused on observable behavior rather than internal mental processes.
- Used rigorous experimental methods to study stimulus-response relationships.
Freudian Psychoanalysis (1900s-1950s):
- Developed by Sigmund Freud, emphasized the unconscious mind and its influence on personality and behavior.
- Used clinical methods to explore childhood experiences, dreams, and free associations.
Cognitive Revolution (1950s-1960s):
- A shift towards studying mental processes such as memory, attention, and problem-solving.
- Influenced by computer science, linguistics, and information processing theory.
Modern Psychology (Late 20th Century-Present):
- Characterized by a wide range of perspectives and approaches, including cognitive psychology, social psychology, developmental psychology, and neuroscience.
- Emphasis on empirical research, theory building, and practical applications.
- Continued exploration of the brain, mind, and behavior through interdisciplinary collaborations and technological advancements.