7 Major Schools of Thought in Psychology:

The 6 Schools of Thought in Psychology Are?

1. Structuralism. 2. Functionalism. 3. Behaviorism. 4. Gestalt Psychology. 5. Cognitive Psychology. 6. Psychoanalysis. 7. Humanism

Gestalt Psychology

> Based upon the idea that we experience things as unified wholes. 'The whole is greater than the sum of its parts.'

Behaviorism

Based upon thinkers: John B. Watson, Ivan Pavlov and B.F Skinner. > Suggests that all behavior can be explained by environmental causes rather than internal forces. (Observable behavior)

Humanism

Emerged from 1950s * Loose alliance-psychoanalysis and behaviorism * Carl Roger /Abraham Maslow * Emphasizes unique qualities of humans, esp. our freedom and potential for personal growth

Structuralism

First school created in a Germany lab by: Wilhelm Wundt. > Focused on breaking down mental processes into basic components(elements).

Psychoanalysis

Founded by: Sigmund Freud. > Emphasized the influence of the unconscious mind on behavior.

Functionalism

Heavily influenced by William James. > Concerned with the adaptive purpose or function of mind and behavior.

Cognitive Psychology

Influential theory: Stages of cognitive developing by Jean Piaget. > Studies mental processes: How people think, perceive, remember and learn. > Related to other disciplines such as: Neuroscience, philosophy and linguistics.