Key Concepts in Psychology

This section covers fundamental concepts and branches of psychology:

• Critical thinking involves analysis and evaluation of information
• Major historical figures include Wilhelm Wundt, William James, and Sigmund Freud
• Behaviorism focused on learned behaviors and conditioning
• Humanism emphasized self-actualization and personal growth

Example: John B. Watson, considered the father of behaviorism, conducted the famous "Little Albert" experiment demonstrating classical conditioning in humans.

Definition: Behaviorism is a psychological approach that focuses on observable behaviors rather than internal mental states.

The page also lists various branches of psychology, including:

• Biopsychology
• Cognitive psychology
• Developmental psychology
• Social psychology
• Clinical and counseling psychology

Highlight: Clinical and counseling psychology involve therapy, diagnosing mental disorders, and often require a license to practice.

History of Psychology

This page delves deeper into the early history and schools of thought in psychology:

Structuralism, developed by Edward Titchner, focused on breaking down mental processes into components through introspection. Functionalism, established by William James and others, examined how mental activities served as adaptive responses to the environment.

Sigmund Freud developed psychoanalytic theory, which emphasized the unconscious mind and early childhood experiences. Gestalt psychology emerged as another influential school of thought.

Definition: Structuralism in psychology focused on mental processes rather than their function, attempting to break down cognitive experiences into basic components.

Vocabulary: Functionalism in psychology focused on how mental activities served as adaptive responses to an organism's environment.

Highlight: Sigmund Freud's psychoanalytic theory emphasized the role of the unconscious mind and early childhood experiences in shaping behavior and mental processes.