...Origins of Psychology Abstract “Psychology has a long past but only a short history.” This simple almost satirical statement by Hermann Ebbinghaus is key to understanding the history and underpinnings of modern psychology. From a flawed seventh century B.C. experiment by the King of Egypt to Socrates, Plato, Hume, Liebniz, and others, psychology has a very long past but only a short scientific history. Philosophical Background In the seventh century B.C., the King of Egypt conducted what many, including psychology historian Morton Hunt, consider to be the first psychology experiment. Though flawed and rudimentary, the king tested his idea that thoughts and language came from the mind. Although unscientific, the idea of the minds overall ability to do more was put to the test. Socrates (460-399 B.C.) often considered and referred to as a father of philosophy, stated “One thing only I know and that is I know nothing.” This realization came when he concluded that philosophy can only begin when one learns to doubt, particularly the thoughts and ideals that each individual holds dear and sacred. In short, real philosophy cannot start until one’s mind begins to examine itself. Again the mind is central and paramount. To modern psychology he gave the Socratic Method of questioning, which demanded definitions...
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...Introduction: The Origins of Psychology Wilhelm Wundt The Founder of Psychology Today, psychology is defined as the science of behavior and mental processes, a definition that reflects psychology’s origins and history. KEY QUESTIONS What roles did Wundt and James play in establishing psychology? What were the early schools and approaches in psychology, and how did their views differ? you need to understand how the definition of psychology has evolved over the past 130 years to what it is today—the scientific study of behavior and mental processes. Indeed, the early history of psychology is the history of a field struggling to define itself as a separate and unique scientific discipline. The early psychologists struggled with such fundamental issues as: • How should psychology be defined? • What is the proper subject matter of psychology? • Which areas of human experience should be studied? • What methods should be used to investigate psychological issues? • Should psychology include the study of nonhuman animal behavior? • Should psychological findings be used to change or enhance human behavior? These debates helped set the tone of the new science, define its scope, and set its limits. Over the past century, the shifting focus of these debates has influenced the topics studied and the research methods used. Wundt used scientific methods to study fundamental psychological processes, such as mental reaction times in response to visual or auditory stimuli...
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...THE CONTRIBUTION OF ANCIENT GREEK PHILOSOPHERS TO PSYCHOLOGY The ancient Greek philosophers contributed to the development of knowledge in all fields Under philosophy because the various disciplines had not differentiated. PYTHAGORAS Pythagoras had a lasting influence on western thought. Some of his ideas that influenced the development of psychology as a discipline include:- • The basic explanation for everything in the universe was in numbers and in numerical relationships. The sound of a lyre is harmonious only if one string is twice as long as the others. There is a relationship between string size and perceived pleasantness. This is the first psycho physical law in psychology. Later psycho physics became a huge topic in psychology. Numbers are real and they exert influence on the empirical world In spite of their abstraction. So he concluded that mathematical laws should be employed on every aspect of human existence. This way he anticipated the scientific method used by psychologists and more so the position taken by behaviorists. Define the terms psycho physics and the scientific method. • Ironically the Pythagorean school of thought distrusted the senses." Perfection cannot be achieved in the empirical world only in the world beyond the senses. Senses interfered with the gaining of knowledge". So members of the Pythagorean School of thought imposed on themselves long periods of silence, vegetarianism, fasting, exercise etc. This way the Pythagorean School became...
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...Phoenix Material Origins of Psychology and Research Methods Worksheet Part I: Origins of Psychology Within psychology, there are several perspectives used to describe, predict, and explain human behavior. The seven major perspectives in modern psychology are psychoanalytic, behaviorist, humanist, cognitive, neuroscientific/biopsychological, evolutionary, and sociocultural. Describe the perspectives, using two to three sentences each. Select one major figure associated with one of the perspectives and describe his or her work in two to three sentences. Type your response in the space below. Psychoanalytical is to make sense of the unconscious mind through therapy to release repressed emotions and experiences. This is therapy is usually used when a person is being treated for depression and anxiety disorders. Behaviorist Psychology emphasized objective, observable environmental influences on overt behavior. Humanistic Psychology is the study of free will. It is the study of voluntary and involuntary or reflex behavior. This is the fight or flight and survival of the fittest theory. Cognitive Psychology emphasizes thoughts, perception, and information processing. It is the study of how we view things in everyday life and how they affect us. Neuroscientific/Biopsychological examines behavior study of the brain, how the brain processes information electrically, and which part of the brain processes the information. Evolutionary Psychology is a study of natural...
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...There are many explanations for the origins of modern social psychology. It is therefore important to consider that social psychology cannot be traced back to one single source of origin. Hence, this is the reason why there are debates of what social psychology is. Gordon Allport described social psychology as the study an individual’s thoughts, feelings, and behaviors which are influenced by the actual, imagines, or implied presence of others. As seen from this definition there is a direct link between social science and the individual psychology. Social psychology cannot be seen as a linear phenomenon. This is because social psychology has been derived from a combination of influences. The development of social psychology can be discussed in two different ways. Firstly, social psychology is argued to be found upon political movements and social philosophies in the United Stated of America. Secondly, it can be argued that social psychology has developed in response to social and political needs. There have been debates regarding whether social psychology should be dealt as a natural science or not. The ideology of natural science is very important as it affects the way the social psychologist deals with the situations. For example, if there are specific scientific objectives then the study can be laboratory based and use experimental procedures in order to gain knowledge. Psychologists who use this positivistic method are classified as experimental social psychologists. On...
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...7. Functionalism: Historical origin, principles and contributions to the field of Psychology Abstract It is believed that the school of functionalism was first established in 1896 by the publication of John Dewey’s article “The Reflex Arc in Psychology. Functionalism can be defined as a broad school, which focuses on the function of the mind and mental processes, as opposed to the structure of the mind. The school also focuses on how behaviour allows individual adjustment to the environment (Hergenhahn, 2009). The purpose of this essay is to highlight the importance of knowing how the school originated and the basic principles such as; stream of consciousness, habit and instincts, the self and emotions, which shape what functionalism is today. Furthermore it is important to recognise the substantial contributions functionalism made to the broader psychology field such as; applied psychology, memory and behaviourism. Moreover it is important to acknowledge that introspection was the main approach many functionalists perceived to be authentic. Although a further recommendation for research could be how society’s fixation on technology influences an individual’s mind and body in regards to adaptation to the environment. Functionalism: Historical origin, principles and contributions to the field of Psychology Functionalism is an approach that has not been defined with clarity (Hergenhahn, 2009). Although Hergenhahn...
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...Historical Perspectives of Abnormal Psychology Nicole Theriault PSY/410 October 8, 2012 Dr. Sevet Johnson Historical Perspectives of Abnormal Psychology The study of abnormal behavior has been a topic of debate and profound interest for nearly 100 years. Abnormal psychology outlines the differences between what is considered normal or abnormal behavior among people of all ages and walks of life. Throughout the evolution of abnormal psychology, areas of focus within the discipline have been broken down into six core concepts, which provide for more accurate definition(s) of what is considered to be normal and abnormal behavior in individuals. To fully understand the scope and significance of contemporary abnormal psychology, it is important to understand that psychopathology and its origins has evolved into a scientific discipline and are met with constant challenges to defining and classifying normal and abnormal behavior. The following will discuss the origins of abnormal psychology, how the field has evolved into a scientific discipline in addition to a brief analysis of the psychosocial, biological/medical, and sociocultural theoretical models, which directly relate to the development of abnormal psychology. Origins of Abnormal Psychology The science of abnormal psychology is still considered to be relatively young and having only existed for approximately 100 years. However, the presence of psychopathologies among people worldwide has been recorded...
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...History and Overview of Abnormal Psychology Gary D. Neer PSY/410 March 9th, 2012 Analu Sing History and Overview of Abnormal Psychology The science of abnormal psychology or known as psychopathology tends to be a controversial science. Within this science, there is no simple or direct answer, nor any precise definitions. As with the origin and still today, identifying normal from abnormal behavior is still challenging. However, to understand this science of mystery, one should look into the origin of abnormal psychology; including the challenges in defining what is abnormal psychology and categorizing normal and abnormal behavior, how abnormal psychology evolved, and analyze the psychosocial, biological, and socio-cultural theoretical models related to the development of abnormal psychology to come to a better understanding of abnormal psychology as a discipline. Origin of Abnormal Psychology Abnormal psychology has been a continuous debate throughout history. Psychologists have development many theories trying to explain psychological instability. Generally, history has place abnormal psychology (psychopathology) into three diverse explanations (Barlow & Durand, 2004).The mystical view regards abnormal behavior as a direct result of supernatural possession. Between 1800 B.C. and 1700 B.C, the Hammurabi’s, in the Mesopotamian region, viewed abnormal behavior as the self-possession of gods, ghosts, and spirits, which caused disease in a person’s body or mind (Hornstein...
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...Modern Psychology reflects the discipline’s diverse history; the formation of psychology differs dramatically from modern-day conceptions of the field of study. To acquire a complete grasp of psychology, it is important to spend more time exploring the history and origins of this particular study in science. In this particular paper, the main concepts that is being explored is philosophers that historically relate to the beginnings of psychology as a formal discipline, major philosophers in the western tradition that were primary contributors to the formation of psychology as a discipline, and the development of the science of psychology during the 19th century. History of Psychology Psychology was not well known as a separate discipline until the late 1800’s, its initial history can be traced back to the era of the early Greeks. All throughout the 17th century, Rena Descartes, a French philosopher, introduced the first idea of dualism, which is the explanation that the mind and body are separate parts that work together to create the human experience. “Many other issues still debated by psychologists today, such as relative contributions of nature vs. nurture are rooted in these early philosophical traditions” (Citizendium, 2010). Psychology has been often mistakenly viewed as a young discipline, in all actuality Psychology has roots extending from ancient Greece. The father of psychology is known as Aristotle, he wrote his thesis “ De Anima, Parva Naturalia approximately...
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...Historical Perspectives of Abnormal Psychology Sandra Hall PSY 410 - Abnormal Psychology May 6, 2013 Dr. Kristi Husk Historical Perspectives of Abnormal Psychology Psychology is a diverse discipline with many facets. Throughout the years, scientists have developed a variety of disciplines to understand and explain human behavior from their respective fields. One such development is the discipline of abnormal psychology. It is a relatively young discipline and consists of six core concepts. These concepts aid in the diagnosis of abnormal behavior, and includes various theoretical models to help understand psychopathology. The Origins of Abnormal Psychology and Its Evolution into a Scientific Discipline Andrew Colman defines abnormal psychology as “a branch of psychology devoted to the study of the classification, etiology, diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of mental disorders and disabilities” (Colman, 2009, p. 2). The desire to understand human behavior and (mental) illness dates back to the Ancient Greeks. In 460 BCE, Hippocrates documented his first attempts to understand mental illness. He believed illnesses are the result of an imbalance of various bodily fluids. Hippocrates’ observations led to the development of the very first biological theory of mental illness and emphasized the importance of the observation of the patient’s symptoms rather than relying on religious beliefs (Hansell & Damour, 2008). Hippocrates’ findings began the progress of...
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...Outline I. Introduction Thesis: In studying the underlying constructs of psychology – the origins of humanity, human nature, and human purpose – one sees the extensive influence of evolution. When contrasted with the biblical view of creationism, it becomes clear that modern psychology shares little in common with biblical principles. II. Basic Constructs of Human Psychology A. Human 1. What is a human being? 2. How do humans differ from animals? B. Human Behavior 1. Thought, feeling, action 2. Inner and outer worlds of human perception III. Human Origins A. Evolution 1. Life from non-life material/Big Bang Theory 2. Genetic mutation 3. Natural selection a. Competition as the foundation of behavior b. Law of the Jungle B. Creationism 1. God created the universe and all creatures 2. Each species was created separate and distinct 3. God created man special in God’s own image IV. Human Nature A. Evolution 1. Survival of the fittest a. Social behavior b. Mating c. Reproduction 2. Behaviorism a. Behavior is a combination of social learning and genetic influencces b. Effect on antisocial behavior on reproduction 3. Biological determinism a. No real basis for free will B. Creationism 1. Humans were made in God’s image a. God is love, justice, kindness, and joyful 2. The Fall of Man separated humans from God a. ‘War’ between good and evil b. Man’s nature is now sinful 3. Jesus the Son of God redeemed human...
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...Perspectives of Abnormal Psychology Abnormal Psychology PSY 410 January 30, 2012 Historical Perspectives of Abnormal Psychology For many years, various forms of madness have been noted in every culture. Multitudes of theories, as well as some myths, have been developed to explain such conditions. Society’s opinion on what was considered abnormal was based on such phenomenon as paranormal forces, the anger of the gods, the influence of the moon, unstable personality, hereditary factors, and debauchery (Frude, 1998). History shows that theorists continue to develop a variety of theories to explain psychological disorders. These theories usually fall in one of three basic categories: mystical/supernatural (possession of spirits), scientific/medical (biological, imbalances, faulty learning processes, or emotional stressors), and humanitarian (cruelty or inadequate living conditions) (Frude, 1998). Each of these theories and the ongoing advancements in knowledge has been the foundation of the study of abnormal psychology. To comprehend the effort that these aspects of psychology have had in this field of study, it is important to know the origins of abnormal behavior, how this behavior was recognized and treated, how abnormal psychology evolved into a scientific discipline, and the theoretical models related to the development of abnormal psychology. Origins of Abnormal Psychology and the Evolution of the Scientific Approach Abnormal psychology has been studied for about...
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...Perspectives of Abnormal Psychology Ann Bacon Psy/410 Abnormal Psychology October 24, 2011 Kristi Lane University of Phoenix Perspectives of Abnormal Psychology What is abnormal psychology? Abnormal psychology is the branch of psychology that deals with behaviors that are not considered normal as well as psychological phenomena such as dreams and altered mental states, which have not been explained. The goal of this branch of psychology is to understand abnormal behavior as well as to determine how and if the behavior needs to be addressed and to develop a treatment plan that will help individuals. This branch of psychology also recognizes that there are many influences such as environmental influences on psychological development. The goal of many mental health professionals is not to force an individual to achieve normality but to help individuals who struggle with mental and emotional disorders to achieve fulfilling and active lives. However, to completely understand what abnormal psychology is we need to understand the origins of abnormal psychology as well as the challenges of defining and classifying normal and abnormal behavior. It is also important to understand how abnormal psychology evolved into a scientific discipline as well as the different viewpoints or models of abnormal psychology. The following paragraphs will hopefully help us to completely understand the branch of abnormal psychology. Origins of Abnormal Psychology The field of abnormal...
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...Origins of Psychology and Research Methods Worksheet PSY/103 Introduction to Psychology July 6, 2010 Origins of Psychology and Research Methods Worksheet Part One: Origins of Psychology: This paper describes the seven major perspectives in modern psychology that are, psychoanalytic, behaviorist, humanist, cognitive, neuroscientific/biopsychological, evolutionary, and sociocultural. Psychoanalytic: Is the study done by Sigmund Freud of the unconscious mind. He believes that people’s behavior is directly from childhood and stems from personal relationships. It was develop to find different ways to explain human behavior and to offer treatment to people with mental illness. Behaviorist: Is the study of behavior and how it is affected by one’s environment in which they grew up around. Job Watson did not believe in psychoanalysis, he thought that the surroundings had the most profound influence on one’s behavior. Job’s method of study was to observe them to see how behaviors are learned and reinforced. Humanist: Is a voluntary behavior that was influenced by Carl Rogers that emphasizes people to be motivated into thinking of their own fulfillment. This perspective was invented in the early 1950’s. Cognitive: Is the focus of how an individual thinks and remember, and how well one can process information. Jean Piaget founded cognitive psychology in 1960 and is used frequently in today’s society...
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...Historical Perspectives of Abnormal Psychology Abnormal psychology focuses on abnormal behavior, its definition, classifications, explanations, and treatment (Hansell & Damour, 2008). Although its history is merely 100 years old, its story is richly textured. During its evolution, decisions regarding areas of focus evolved into six core concepts that enabled a more accurate definition of the field. To fully understand the scope and significance of contemporary abnormal psychology one must consider psychopathology and its origins, its distinct evolution, and the theoretical models of abnormality, which, in their diversity, attempt to treat those suffering from various disorders. Origins of Abnormal Psychology The relatively young science of abnormal psychology has existed for approximately one hundred years although many forms of mental illness have been recorded throughout history. Stories from biblical times describe suffering similar to contemporary illnesses such as depression and schizophrenia (Bark, 1988; Kahn, 1975, as cited by Hansell & Damour, 2008). One of the earliest known explanations for mental illness in primitive cultures was animism, predicated on belief in the power of the spirit world (Hansell & Damour, 2008). According to this view, mental affliction was associated with possession by an evil or hateful spirit. Archeologists have documented evidence of a treatment called trephination as early as 3000 BCE. This medical procedure consisted...
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