Introduction
For centuries, people have tried to understand themselves and their fellow human beings, and many great psychologists have helped us discover the mysteries of human intelligence and behavior. In this essay, five key figures in the history of psychology will be explained, and assess their contribution to the development of psychology.
William James: The Functional Approach
The first piece that should be considered is William James. James was an American philosopher and psychologist of the late 19th and early 20th centuries who believed that psychology should be the study of consciousness. James invented the concept of a functional approach, arguing that different behaviors and experiences are functional to the body. James also studied religious and mystical experiences, which led to his famous work “Diversity of religious experiences” (LaMothe, 2019).
Sigmund Freud: The Founder of Psychoanalysis
The second figure is Sigmund Freud. Freud was an Austrian psychologist and the founder of psychoanalysis. He proposed that our mind consists of three levels—conscious, subconscious, and unconscious. He also contributed significantly to the study of personality theory by designing the concepts of Id, Ego, and Superego (LaMothe, 2019). Although many of his theories have drawn criticism, Freud remains one of the most influential psychologists in history.
B.F. Skinner and Behavioral Psychology
The third figure is B.F. Skinner is an American psychologist known for his work on behavioral psychology. He believed that all behavior is due to the following consequences and that behavior can be changed by changing those effects. He also contributed to developing the operant condition method, in which behavior is shaped by reward or punishment. Skinner also conceived techniques to study animal behavior and applied them to his research.
Albert Bandura: Social Learning
The fourth figure is Albert Bandura. Bandura was a Canadian psychologist known for his work in social learning. He suggested that behavior could be learned through the relations between humans and their surroundings and the interaction between humans and others. Bandura also devised the concept of self-effectiveness, which explains how people shape their beliefs in their abilities.
Carl Rogers: Humanism
The fifth figure is Carl Rogers. Rogers was an American psychologist and the founder of humanist psychology. He believed that people, not their behavior or biological characteristics, should be at the center of the study of psychology. Rogers also created the concept of “personal integrity,” which describes the growth and self-development of the individual.
Schools of Thought in Psychology
Each of these psychologists developed a school of thought or philosophy that influenced the evolution of psychology. James’ functionalism came from the idea that different mental states and processes could be explained through their functional significance to the organism. On the other hand, Freud’s psychoanalysis argued that much of our behavior is determined by unconscious emotions and motives. Skinner’s behavioral psychology was based on the idea that behavior is formed through rewards and punishment (Martin, 2019). Bandura’s social learning argued that behavior could be learned through interaction between humans and the environment. Rogers’ humanistic psychology finally focused on self-development, personal growth, and the principle of personal integrity.
The Lasting Influence of Psychoanalysis
Of the considered schools of thought and philosophy of psychology, psychoanalysis and behavioral psychology were the most influential in psychology today. Freud’s psychoanalysis remains a basic philosophy of psychology, and practicing psychoanalysts still use his methods. On the other hand, Skinner’s behavioral psychology greatly impacted behavioral therapy and learning (Martin, 2019). However, it should not be forgotten that every school of thought has limitations and shortcomings. Psychoanalysis, for example, has been criticized for its lack of scientific basis. Behavioral psychology has been criticized for its simplistic view of behavior and lack of consideration for individual differences.
Outdated Theories in Modern Psychology
Some schools of thought and philosophy may be outdated, but their ideas may still have value and apply to modern psychology. For example, the Freudian approach to understanding the unconscious, despite its limitations, is still used in psychoanalysis and other forms of therapy. It is also essential to understand that the general picture of psychology continues to change and evolve. New research and new technologies can lead to new schools of thought and philosophies that will become important for understanding human behavior.
Although all five critical figures discussed in this essay contributed significantly to the growth of psychology, the two schools of thought that have had the most influence on modern psychology are behavioral psychology and cognitive psychology. Behaviorism was one of the first systematic attempts to explain human behavior using a scientific approach. He suggested that behavior could be studied and understood only by observation and measurement. As a result of this approach, methods of conditioned reflexes, habituation, and learning through encouragement and punishment have emerged, which are applied in training, therapy, and other fields.
Cognitive psychology, in turn, was developed as a response to the shortcomings of behaviorism, ignoring the importance of internal mental processes such as thinking, perception, and memory. Cognitive psychology explores these processes and develops theories that explain how we perceive, process, and use information and what factors affect our ability to solve problems and make decisions.
Conclusion
In conclusion, psychology history demonstrates that understanding human behavior is a complex and multifaceted process that requires integrating knowledge and approaches from different schools of thought and philosophy. The psychological schools of thought and philosophy they produced influence psychology today. While it is possible today to look at the work of these five critical figures with surprise and criticism, there is no doubt that their ideas and achievements have significantly impacted the formation of psychological science as it is known today. While each of these schools of thought has limitations, it is essential to understand their heritage and incorporate their ideas into the work in this field.
References
LaMothe, R. (2019). Writing towards death: William James and Sigmund Freud and sustaining objects/practices. Pastoral Psychology. Web.
Martin, J. (2019). Life positioning analysis: Sociality, materiality, and creativity in the lives of Carl Rogers and B. F. Skinner. In Springer eBooks (pp. 109–124). Springer Nature. Web.