1. Unit 1: Science of Psychology
CHS AP Psychology
Unit 1: Science of Psychology
Essential Task 1-3:
Trace the growth of psychology with specific attention to structuralism and functionalism in the early years.
Logo Green is R=8 G=138 B= Blue is R= 0 G=110 B=184
Border Grey is R=74 G=69 B=64

2. Early Psychology – Wundt (voo-ndt)
Wilhelm Wundt opened the first psychology laboratory at the University of Liepzig in 1879.
By insisting on measurement and experimentation he moves psychology from a philosophy to a science
This is my lab!
Philosophy  science

3. Structuralism Bradford Titchner
School of psychology that stressed the basic units of experience (physical sensation, feelings, and memories) and the combinations in which they occur.
Study these ‘atoms of experience’ to get the structure of the mind

4. Break this down to its atoms of experience
How do you know what this is? How is your mind structured in order to perceive it? 4

5. So what is this? 5

6. And this? How’s structuralism working for you now?6

7. Functionalism William James
Rejects Structuralism
Influenced by Darwin
Functionalism –theory of mental life and behavior that is concerned with how an organism uses its perceptual abilities to function in its environment.
Functionalists wanted to the whole system of mental processes rather than focusing on the tiny elements of consciousness
Functionalism also emphasized individual differences, which had a profound impact on education.

8. Structuralism vs. Functionalism
Structuralism highlights the experience: emotions, memories, feelings
Functionalism highlights the use of each perceived environment
How would each study this situation?

9. Psychodynamic Psychology
Sigmund Freud
Behavior results from forces at work within the individual, often at an unconscious level. Often formed during childhood.
Late 1800s
Since the person can’t access their own unconscious, it is hard to prove or disprove this theory scientifically.

10. Psychodynamic = Unconscious

11. Behaviorism Studied only observable behaviors
Studied how organisms learn behaviors.
Classical Conditioning – learning that results from things happening to you.
Ivan Pavlov – Dogs
John B. Watson – Baby Albert
Operant Conditioning – learning that results from getting rewards or punishments.
B.F. Skinner – Skinner Box

12. Behaviorism

13. The Cognitive Revolution
The precursors to cognitive psychology:
Gestalt psychology
Study of how we perceive objects as whole patterns
Therapy that wishes to treat the whole person
Humanistic psychology
Emphasizes realization of full potential
Recognizes importance of love, self esteem, belonging, and self-actualization

14. The Cognitive Revolution
Study of mental processes
Thinking
Learning
Feeling
Remembering
Decision making

15. New Directions in Psychology
Evolutionary psychology
Studies the adaptive value of behaviors and mental processes
Positive psychology
Study of the subjective feelings of happiness and well-being
Focus is on positive attitude