1. Psychology Psychology: Empiricism:
The scientific study of behavior and mental processes
Empiricism:
The view that knowledge originates in experience and that science should, rely on observation and experimentation

2. Psychology

3. The Origins of Psychology
Psychology has its roots in Ancient Greek Philosophy ( B.C.E.), and continues throughout world history.
Over time, several approaches to studying human thought and behavior continued to develop and change
Wilhelm Wundt ( )
1st lab (Germany)

4. Historical Approaches of Psychology
Structuralism:
Structural elements of the mind (building blocks/organization)
Introspection – sensations, feelings, images
Wilhelm Wundt & Edward Titchener (Cornell)
*Psychology officially recognized (1879)
APA American Psychological Association
Functionalism:
Function/Role of the human mind (designed to perform some action/behavior)
William James ( )
The Principles of Psychology (1890)

5. Historical Approaches of Psychology
How might we compare Structuralism and Functionalism to studying an automobile?

6. Historical Approaches of Psychology
Inheritable Traits:
Influence of heredity on human thought and behavior
Sir Francis Galton ( )
Gestalt Psychology:
Human sensation and perception
Gestalt: “whole pattern”(e.g. chair vs. seat, legs, back, etc.)
Max Wertheimer ( )

7. Psychological Science Develops
Throughout the 20th century, Psychology continued to expand as a study integrating the views of both Philosophy and Biochemistry:
Experimental Psychology
Behaviorism
Psychoanalytic Theory
Humanistic Psychology
Cognitive Neuroscience

8. Review What is Psychology? Why should Psychology rely on Empiricism?
Briefly describe the 4 Historical Approaches to Psychology:
Structuralism
Functionalism
Inheritable Traits
Gestalt Psychology