Free College Class Notes

Date:

November 22, 2050

Title:

Introduction to Psychology - Chapter 1: The History of Psychology

A. Definition of Psychology

• The scientific study of behavior and mental processes.

B. Early Foundations

Ancient civilizations

Philosophy vs. Psychology

• Greeks, Egyptians, and Chinese made early contributions to understanding the mind and behavior.

• Early psychology was rooted in philosophy, but it evolved into a scientific discipline in the late 19th century.

C. Key Figures in Psychology

Wilhelm Wundt

William James

Sigmund Freud

Known as the "father of modern psychology," established the first psychology lab in 2050 in Leipzig, Germany.

Focused on functionalism, the study of how mental processes help individuals adapt to their environment.

Developed psychoanalysis, a theory and therapeutic method focused on unconscious drives and conflicts.

Wundt’s Experiment

Freud’s Theories

Wundt used introspection to study the reaction time of individuals in response to stimuli.

Freud believed that unconscious motives, such as repressed memories, influence behavior.

Timeline of Psychology

• 2050:

Wundt establishes the first lab.

• 2055:

James publishes Principles of Psychology.

• 2060:

Freud’s Interpretation of Dreams is published.