PSYC100 Lecture Notes - Lecture 1: National Institutes Of Health, Abnormal Psychology, Wilhelm Wundt
19 Feb 2017
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Early mid 1800s philosophy aristotle & socrates raised psychological ?s ---> used logic and reasoned argument. Kant: (late 1700s) questioned whether there could be science of psychology b/c of obstacles (1) must be based on mathematical laws based on empirical data from real experiments. Thoughts, images and ideas are not measurable dimensions (2) instrument used to study mind is mind itself - too subjective. Early pioneers: helmholtz: speed of nerve impulses can be measured (thought isn"t instantaneous, hand/shoulder example, fechner: relationship b/w mind and world (perceived intensity vs. physical intensity - logarithmic graph proved science of psychology would be possible) Create change in environment report mental experience (lights example) Goal: wanted psychology to be a mental chemistry mind contains fixed # of basic sensations. Complex mental experience combination of basic elements. Paradigm change (1910) (1) introspection is out (2) introspection = describe & explain experimental states. Behaviorism = predict and control behavior (3) denying traditional distinction b/w people and animals.
