Chapter One The Evolution of Psychology

Web links can illuminate and elaborate on some of the information convered in the chapter. Each web link is annotated to help you decide if you want to explore it.

Contents

Origins of Psychology: Philosophy

Psychology and Philosophy have recently struck up a relationship that demonstrates the close ties the two disciplines have. Here are some links for those of you who are interested.

The Philosophy of Cognition
The Philosophy of the Mind at Johns Hopkins University
Links to centers for the philosophy of cognition or cognitive science

Descartes

Here are some more historical links of interest:

• brief biography of Descartes
• Descarte was influenced by his dreams
• How an encounter with a fly led to coordinate geometry
• Here is an outline of the rise of experimental psychology as it occurred at the interface between philosophical analyses of the mind/world relationship and physiological conceptions of the nervous system.
• Descarte and the Mind/Body Dualism
• Do you want to read a little of his work?:"Discourse on the Method of Rightly Conducting the Reason, and Seeking Truth in the Sciences"
• "Mind and Body" - Descartes to William James"

Origins of Psychology: Physiology

Physiology will be covered in greater detail in Chapter 3, "Physical Bases of Behavior", and the Scientific Method will be Covered in Chapter 2,"The Research Enterprise in Psychology". return to text

Wundt and Hall Create a New Science

The Lifschitz Psychology Museum

"The museum's main goal is to present a variety of fun and educational exhibits which present a broad overview of psychology and its many facets. The exhibits are designed to be friendly enough for anyone to enjoy, but also present a wealth of interesting information. These exhibits will constantly be revised and added to as the museum is further refined."

As befitting a museum, there are a number of exhibits that deal with Psychology's historical figures.

If you want to take another kind of look the history of psychology, the American Psychological Association has developed a historical dates page. It is not very useful unless you know the specific date of an event, but it is fun to play around with.

Wilhelm Wundt web bio
G. Stanley Hall web bio return to text

Structuralism versus Functionalism

Structuralism

Edward Titchnener web bio

early (1904) article about "organic images"
a need for introspection today

Functionalism

William James

• Lots' o Web Links about James
• A Review of James and Functional Psychology and;
• "Mind and Body" - Descartes to William James"
• a review of the earlier history of Psychology which set the context for James' contributions
• Natural Selection - a review of James' works with special attention to his Darwin and evolution.
• James had a lot to say about religion too.

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Watson Alters Psychology's Course as Behaviorism Makes Its Debut

John Watson redefined psychology by proposing to get rid of the study of consciousness altogether. Only observable behavior became the subject matter of the science of psychology.

John Watson Web bio
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Gestalt Psychology Challenges Behaviorism

>>Fast Forward>> to perception chapter) Check out the phi phenonemon in Raiders of the Lost Ark
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Freud Brings the Unconscious Into the Picture

biography
They think a lot of him in Vienna.
There's even a museum in London.
Freud NET
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Skinner Questions Free Will as Behaviorism Flourishes

picture
biography
biography and quick overview of his theory
Critique of "Beyond Freedom and Dignity"
>>Fast Forward>> to Learning Chapter

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The Humanists Revolt

Many thought behaviorism and psychoanalytic theories were dehumanizing. The humanists portrayed a different picture of human nature.

humanism

definition
The American Humanist Association with all kinds of links.

Carl Rogers

picture
overview of theory I
overview of theory II
client centered therapy
Eulogy

Abraham Maslow

theory overview
Maslow Reading Room

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Psychology Comes of Age as a Profession

The American Psychological Association

The American Psychological Society

Psychology Returns to Its Roots: Renewed Interest in Cognition and Physiology

>>Fast Forward>> to physiology chapter web links.

Psychology Broadens Its Horizons: Increased Interest in Cultural Diversity

Ohio State University has developed a series of links to resources on diversity

>>Fast Forward>> to Social Behavior chapter web links.

Application: Improving Academic Performance

link to application page for more information:

• Colleges of Saint Benedict and Saint John's University study guides.
• Dartmouth University Academic Skills Center Guides
• Virginia Polytechnic Insitute's Counseling CenterGuides
• Muskingum College Learning Strategies Database

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