Historical Background of Psychology

The historical background of psychology for AP students begins with prehistoric practices and progresses through ancient Greek and Roman contributions to early modern thinkers. This foundation laid the groundwork for psychology to emerge as a scientific discipline.

Highlight: Trephining, an ancient surgical practice, demonstrates early attempts to treat mental disorders by manipulating the skull.

Vocabulary: Trephining - A primitive brain surgery involving creating openings in the skull to treat neurological and mental disturbances.

Ancient Greek and Roman physicians made significant contributions to early psychological thought:

Example: Hippocrates' contribution to medicine included identifying four bodily fluids (humors) believed to influence physical and mental health.

Definition: The Hippocrates and Galen theory of humors proposed that the balance of blood, phlegm, black bile, and yellow bile affected personality and health.

Early modern philosophers further developed ideas about the mind and behavior:

• Rene Descartes proposed dualism, separating mind and body
• John Locke introduced the concept of the mind as a blank slate (tabula rasa)
• Franz Gall developed phrenology, linking skull shape to personality traits

Quote: "The body gives rise to thought; thoughts can then influence the body." - Rene Descartes' concept of dualism

Charles Darwin's theory of natural selection significantly influenced psychological thinking, leading to sociobiological theories about inherited behaviors and thoughts.

The Birth of Modern Psychology

The emergence of psychology as a scientific discipline can be traced to the late 19th century, with several key figures establishing its foundations.

Wilhelm Wundt, often called the "Father of Modern Psychology," made groundbreaking contributions:

Highlight: In 1879, Wundt established the first psychological laboratory at the University of Leipzig, Germany.

Vocabulary: Introspection - Wundt's technique of objectively examining and measuring one's own mental processes.

Edward Titchener, a student of Wundt, brought psychological study to the United States:

• Established the first U.S. psychological laboratory at Cornell University in 1892
• Developed structuralism, aiming to break down mental processes into basic units

Definition: Structuralism is an approach that seeks to identify the fundamental elements of consciousness.

William James made significant contributions to the field:

• Published the first psychology textbook, "The Principles of Psychology," in 1890
• Developed the functionalism approach, focusing on the purpose of mental processes

Example: Functionalism examines how mental processes aid in adaptation and survival, such as how memory helps us learn from past experiences.

G. Stanley Hall further legitimized psychology as a discipline:

Highlight: Hall founded the American Psychological Association (APA), which continues to oversee psychological study in the United States.