Many of the ideas of early researchers have made an important
contribution into modern psychology.
The German physiologist W. Wundt is aptly known as the father of modern
psychology. He launched the discipline as a science to be studied by means
of systematic methods.
The functionalists broadened the definition of psychology. They drew
attention to the importance of mental life in adapting to the environment.
The behaviorists further enhanced an understanding of learning, with
their stress on the importance of rewards and punishments. John Watson
formulated the goals of behaviorism in 1913. He was credited with discovering
trial-and-error learning.
The gestaltists reemphasized the mental processes that the behaviorists
had neglected. They believed that the mind
inevitably brings together the various pieces of data the sense organs
register, forming them into the perception of a whole. This whole they called a
Gestalt (form or pattern).
Cognitive psychology has developed since 1950s. It studies cognitive processes
in many areas including learning, memory, problem solving, etc.
Freud also made a significant contribution. Freud called attention to
the frequent importance of early life and to existence of unconscious motives.
Finally, the humanists such as A. Maslow and C. Rogers stressed the
uniqueness of individuals and potential for freedom of choice.
Concepts from the past form the foundation for current approaches to
different psychological problems.
