Question 1

Why is Wilhelm Wundt considered the father of psychology?

Accepted Answer

Wilhelm Wundt is considered the father of psychology because he established the first experimental psychology laboratory in Leipzig, Germany, in 1879. This marked psychology's formal separation from philosophy and its emergence as a scientific discipline. He used introspection to study conscious processes like sensation and perception, aiming to measure them systematically. His work laid the foundation for later experimental methods, even though introspection was later criticised for being subjective.

Question 2

What caused the shift from behaviourism to cognitive psychology?

Accepted Answer

The shift from behaviourism to cognitive psychology, known as the cognitive revolution, occurred in the 1950s-60s due to several factors. Behaviourism's inability to explain complex mental processes like language and memory was a key limitation. Advances in computer science provided a new metaphor for the mind as an information processor. Additionally, studies like Chomsky's (1959) critique of Skinner's 'Verbal Behavior' showed that language acquisition could not be explained solely by reinforcement. This led to a focus on internal mental processes, using methods like reaction time experiments and later brain imaging.

Question 3

How does the history of psychology help in understanding modern approaches?

Accepted Answer

Understanding the history of psychology helps you see how modern approaches evolved as responses to earlier limitations. For example, the biological approach gained traction as technology like fMRI allowed direct observation of brain activity, addressing the cognitive approach's reliance on inferences. Similarly, positive psychology emerged in the late 20th century as a reaction to psychology's focus on mental illness. This context allows you to critically evaluate each approach's strengths and weaknesses, which is essential for high-mark essays.

Question 4

What is a paradigm shift in psychology?

Accepted Answer

A paradigm shift in psychology refers to a fundamental change in the dominant theoretical framework or worldview within the field. For example, the shift from behaviourism to cognitive psychology in the mid-20th century was a paradigm shift because it changed what was considered legitimate to study (from observable behaviour to mental processes) and the methods used (from conditioning experiments to computer models). Thomas Kuhn's concept of paradigm shifts helps explain why scientific progress is not always gradual but can involve revolutionary changes.

Question 5

Why did behaviourism become so dominant in the early 20th century?

Accepted Answer

Behaviourism became dominant because it offered a scientific, objective approach to psychology, focusing on observable behaviour that could be measured and controlled. This was a reaction to the subjective nature of introspection used by Wundt and his followers. Behaviourism's principles were also practical, leading to applications in education (e.g., programmed learning) and therapy (e.g., systematic desensitisation). Its emphasis on environmental influences aligned with the optimistic view that behaviour could be shaped, which was appealing in a rapidly industrialising society.

Question 6

How does the nature-nurture debate relate to the history of psychology?

Accepted Answer

The nature-nurture debate is a central theme in the history of psychology, with different approaches emphasising one side. Early psychology, influenced by philosophers like Plato, leaned towards nativism (nature). Behaviourism, in contrast, strongly emphasised nurture, arguing that all behaviour is learned from the environment. The cognitive approach acknowledged innate structures (e.g., Chomsky's language acquisition device) but also studied how experience shapes mental processes. The biological approach focuses on genetic and neurobiological factors (nature). Understanding this historical tension helps you evaluate how each approach contributes to our current understanding of behaviour.

Psychology: Past to Present

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Related Topics in WJEC A-Level Psychology

Psychology: Past to Present

Psychology: Investigating Behaviour

Psychology: Investigating Behaviour

Psychology: Implications in the Real World