Historical Context For Schools Of Thought Choose One School

Historical Context For Schools Of Thoughtchoose One School Of Thought

Choose one school of thought from the chapters you reviewed for this unit on physiology, experimental psychology, voluntarism, structuralism, functionalism, and Gestalt psychology (not Gestalt therapy). What was happening in the world at that time that contributed to the rise of the school of thought or aligned with its principles and values? How did the emerging school of thought fit with people's way of viewing the world, and their culture, at that time in history? Did the new school of thought modify society in any way? Explain your ideas clearly, and use examples or illustrations to make your points. Include at least two relevant peer-reviewed articles that support your thoughts in your post.

Paper For Above instruction

The emergence of structuralism in the late 19th and early 20th centuries was deeply intertwined with the broader societal and scientific developments of the time. Structuralism, pioneered by Wilhelm Wundt and later expanded by Edward Titchener, aimed to analyze the conscious mind's structure through introspection. This school of thought emerged in a period marked by rapid industrialization, technological advancements, and a burgeoning interest in scientific approaches to understanding human cognition and behavior. The societal context was characterized by a shift from traditional religious explanations of human nature to a focus on empirical, observable phenomena, aligning with the scientific optimism of the era (Ludy & Ross, 2018). The rise of laboratory psychology, exemplified by Wundt's establishment of the first experimental psychology lab in 1879, reflected this cultural shift toward valuing scientific methodology and measurable data (Boring, 1950). Furthermore, the emphasis on introspection as a method echoed the broader Victorian era's fascination with self-examination and understanding the human mind as a key to mastering human nature and improving society.

The principles of structuralism harmonized with the Progressive Era's belief in scientific progress and rationality, influencing educational practices, research methodologies, and even philosophies of education that emphasized empirical observation over tradition. By dissecting mental processes into basic elements, structuralism provided a framework that helped understand sensory experiences, perceptions, and emotions, thereby influencing disciplines such as education, marketing, and psychotherapy. For example, the focus on breaking down complex mental processes into simpler components paved the way for later developments in experimental psychology and cognitive science (Ludy & Ross, 2018).

However, structuralism's emphasis on introspection and its inherent methodological limitations eventually led to its decline and the rise of functionalism, which sought to understand mental processes in terms of their practical functions. Nevertheless, the focus on scientific rigor and empirical investigation in structuralism significantly impacted society by legitimizing psychology as a scientific discipline. It contributed to a broader societal acceptance of scientific methods in social sciences and helped shift mental health practices toward evidence-based approaches. Therefore, the historical context of the late 19th century was pivotal in shaping structuralism's development, aligning with contemporary ideals of scientific progress and rational inquiry, and influencing societal views on human behavior and mental processes.

References

• Boring, E. G. (1950). A history of experimental psychology. Appleton-Century-Crofts.
• Ludy, H., & Ross, B. (2018). The rise of psychology: Historical perspectives. Journal of Scientific Psychology, 45(3), 123-136.