Text (Required):
Benjamin, L.T. (1997). A history of psychology: Original sources
and contemporary research (2nd ed.). New York: McGraw-Hill
Co.
Thorne, B.M., & Henley, T.B. (1997). Connections in the history
and systems of psychology. Boston: Houghton Mifflin Co.
Course Description: Traces the origins of psychology from philosophy and physiology and its development into the science psychology is today.
Education Outcomes Specific to Psychology
Course Objectives: Upon completion of this course, the student
3 Exams. Each exam will be based
on material from the class lectures and the textbook. All exam questions
are listed in the syllabus. All exams are a combination of short answer
and essay questions. Each exam will be worth 100 points (8 out of 10 short
answer and 3 out of 4 essays). MAKE-UP POLICY: If for some reason you must
miss a test, you must notify me as soon as possible (either by telephone,
stopping by, or e-mail). You need to have a valid excuse that can be verified
with documentation (Gee, I forgot is NOT a valid excuse). You must take
it BEFORE I give back the exams to the class and you must take it on the
date and time that we decide (i.e. no making up the make-up). You cannot
make up the test during class time and you cannot have more than one make-up
exam.
Comprehensive Final - There will be
a comprehensive final during finals week worth 200 points. The class will
break into teams of 3 people. I will ask a question and all of the groups
in the class must come up with the answer in the time allotted (2 minutes).
You must pick your own group. The final will be based upon the questions
that you create. THE COMPREHENSIVE FINAL IS ONLY FOR THE FALL/SPRING
Questions - Every Tuesday before class
starts, you will turn in a question and answer that could be used on the
final. The questions are to be written in short answer/definition format
and the answer is to be correct. Please keep the questions and answers
reasonably short. The questions must be typed or neatly written and based
on a topic that we covered in the past week. These questions will not be
accepted if they are late, the format is incorrect (No MC or T/F), or the
answer is wrong. THE QUESTIONS ARE ONLY FOR THE FALL/SPRING
Paper. Take a historical perspective on a topic or trace a person’s life history. The paper should be approximately 5 pages long (not including the title page or references) and is to be typed. It is highly recommended that you discuss with me your paper topic so that you do not choose too broad of a topic (for example, the study of conscious and unconscious thought throughout psychology would be too broad). Historical means through time – discussing modern day therapy is not historical, even if you do spend 2 paragraphs discussing history. The life history is to be about the person, not their theories (except to discuss when and why they were developed). For every day the paper is late, 5 points will be deducted. Here are some useful sites to help you write the paper.
FOR THE FALL/SPRING
You are to do 1 paper – either a biography on a person or historical development of a field.
FOR THE SUMMER
You are to do both a biography on a person AND a historical development of a field.
Class Participation. This class is designed to be a capstone senior level course in which you show your understanding of psychology. Course participation is a requirement. You will be graded on your participation level While I don’t require perfect attendance; obviously if you are not here, you are not participating. Part of your grade will be based on class attendence (for those questions everyone shouts out an answer to). However, attendance does not equal participation- that is, for you to earn a good grade in this area means more than showing up and breathing or asking me to explain something over again. When you do make comments, make sure they are relevant to the discussion at hand. You have the questions before class – that will be the discussion we will be having. Go through the two books and make an outline of the response that would answer the question. There will be some answers that will not be found in the book but the majority of the information is there. Make sure to bring your answers and both books to class with you every day. THIS IS THE SAME FOR FALL/SPRING/SUMMER
Points for class participation
90-100 - Actively participates in almost every class period.
80-90 - Some class participation (has contributed approximately once
a week or slightly less).
70-80 - Minimal participation (has contributed a few times to class
discussion).
60-70 - Came to class regularly (very few misses) but has only participated
once or twice.
<60 - Does not attend class regularly and/or has not participated.
Course Evaluation
FALL/SPRING
3 exams @ 100 points 240
Class participation 100
Paper 55
Final 200
15 questions @ 3 points 45
A 700-630 B 629-560 C 559-490 D 489-420 F<419
SUMMER
3 exams @ 100 points 300
Class participation 100
2 Papers @ 50 points 100
A 500-450 B 449-400 C 399-350 D 349-300 F<300
Attendance: While I do not have a strict attendance policy, it
is expected that you will attend class regularly. If for some reason you
miss a class, it is your responsibility to find out any information that
was discussed in class. When in class, I ask that you be courteous to myself
and to others. Refrain from constant chit-chat and note-passing. If you
come in late or plan on leaving early, sit near the door so as not to disturb
others. Please make sure your cell phones are off and beepers on vibrate.
In addition, I can see when you are doing other work besides mine – I don’t
want to see it. It is especially annoying when people who are doing other
things then ask questions that obviously indicate they were not paying
attention. My other pet peeve is when people walk into class late and want
to turn something in or pick something up after I start class. Again, don’t
do that, please.
One final note – if you are having difficulty, don
not wait until the end of the semester to come talk to be and plead for
me to give you a B when your grade is an F or to give you extra credit.
Please talk to me as soon as possible if you are having personal difficulties
or are having a problem with course material.
Special Needs Statement: VSU, in accordance with the Americans with Disabilities act will make accommodations for students who require special assistance because of a disability. If you require some assistance, do not hesitate to make me aware of your situation, but you must also register with Special Services in Nevins Hall.
Instructor
Dr. Deb Briihl
Rm 18 Phone 333-5994 or –5930
dbriihl@valdosta.edu
Office Hours: MWF 9-10:30, 1-2 TTh 2-3:30
Dates:
In general, each test will consist of 16-17 questions. The dates of
the test are set, so if we finish the questions associated with that test,
we will continue on with the material.
Exam 1 - Sept. 17
Exam 2 - Oct. 17
Exam 3 - Nov. 19
Final - Thurs., Dec. 12 5-7
Paper Due - Nov. 12
No Classes Nov. 26 or 28
Midterm is Oct. 11
Reading
Chapter 1 (Thorne), Chapter 1 (Benjamin)
1. List and explain the reasons supporting the study of history of
psychology. Give examples for each of the reasons to illustrate their importance
(T,B).
2. Define the main debates that both philosophers and psychologists
use to define their position (T).
Chapter 2 (Thorne)
3. Why do we start with the Greek philosophers when we discuss the
development of psychology (include a discussion on assumptions) (T)?
4. What concepts were developed by the Greek and Roman philosophers
and physicians that were important or influential to the development of
psychology? – focus on Heraclitus, Democritus, Socrates, Plato, Aristotle,
Alcmaeon, Hippocrates, and Galen (We will only be discussing a few of these
philosophers in class and we will discuss the physicians later) (T).
Chapter 3 (Thorne) pp. 22-25 (Benjamin)
5. Why do we not typically discuss the Medieval Ages as part of the
development of psychology - what happened (T)?
6. What factors were key to the Renaissance (and the development of
psychology) (T)?
7. How were the scientists and philosophers of this time important
to the Renaissance movement and psychology (humanism, Luther, Machiavelli,
Galileo, Bacon, Newton) (T)?
8. The clock was a critical component to the development of modern
science. Explain what the clock metaphor was and how it was used in mechanism,
determinism, and reductionism (make sure to define each of those terms)
(T,B).
Chapter 3 (Thorne) Chapter 2 (Benjamin)
9. Explain how Descartes contributed to psychology. Include a discussion
on the nature of the mind and body, reflexes, how the mind and body interact,
and the different types of ideas (T,B).
Chapter 3, 4, 5 Chapter 2 (pp. 48-61 Benjamin)
10. Locke and Leibniz both developed their theories from Descartes
theory. However, each focused on different areas. Discuss both theories
in detail and tell me which areas of psychology were influenced by each
of these theorists (T,B).
11.Discuss the contributions to psychology made by 1 person from each
of the following schools – British empiricism (not Locke), British associationism,
French empiricism, and the Scottish school. Make sure you describe everything
associated with that individual and define the school of thought (Not discussed
in class) (T).
12. What are rationalism, positivism, and romanticism? Choose 1 philosopher
from each position and discuss his beliefs (Not discussed in class) (T).
*Even though I am asking about one individual for questions 11 and
12, I recommend that you read the entire chapter because we will be referring
back to individuals from that section.
Chapter 6, 17 (Thorne), Chapter 3 (Benjamin)
13. Discuss how Swammerdam, Whytt, Galvani, Bell, Magendie, Muller,
de Bois-Reymond, Golgi and Cajal influenced the study of the neuron (T,B).
14. Discuss how Gall, Flourens, Gage, Broca, Wernicke, Fritsch, Hitzig,
Ferrier, and Bartholow influenced the study of physiology of the brain
(T,B).
Chapter 9 (Thorne), Chapter 7 (Benjamin)
15. Charles Darwin is credited with the theory of evolution. However,
a number of people helped shape his ideas. Discuss the importance of astronomy,
LeClerc, Lyell, Darwin's grandfather, Lamarck, and Malthus on Darwin's
works (T,B).
16. Discuss Darwin's theory of evolution. Why was it accepted when
it was? What is it's importance to psychology (T,B)?
17. The phrase most closely associated with Darwin’s theory "survival
of the fittest" is not Darwin’s creation. Who developed this idea, why,
and what is social darwinism about? What is its importance (T)?
pp. 96, 126, Chapter 6 (Thorne) Chapter 5 (Benjamin)
18. Helmholtz used both philosophy and physiology to argue against
vitalism. What is vitalism and how did he address this issue in his 1847
paper using the conservation of energy? Describe the other topics that
he work on that are still relevant to psychology today (T).
19. Weber, and Fechner are considered directly responsible for the
initial applications of the experimental method to the mind. What did they
do that was important in the field of psychology (what are their laws and
what do they mean)(T,B)?
Chapter 7 (Thorne) Chapter 5 (Benjamin)
20. What special characteristics existed in Germany that allowed the
emergence of scientific psychology in that country as opposed to other
countries (T)?
21. Wundt is considered the founding father of psychology. How did
he define psychology and what should psychology be about? What factors
make Wundt the founding father of psychology (T,B)?
22. Describe Wundt’s research in the areas of sensation and perception,
reaction time, attention, feelings. Be specific. Make sure to note how
attention is related to his research and psychology (T).
23. Wundt fell out of favor rather quickly and only recently has been
"rediscovered". Why did he fall out of favor? What ideas of his are seen
in psychology today (B)?
Chapter 8 (Thorne)
24. Wundt claimed that higher mental processes can't be studied in
experiments. What research areas and techniques were developed by Ebbinghaus
and Muller to show that experimental study of higher mental processes is
feasible? What was the imageless controversy about (T)?
25. What were Brentano and Stumpf's view on psychology (i.e. what did
they think that psychology should be about) (T)?
Chapter 7 (Thorne), Chapter 6 (Benjamin)
26. Imagine you are listening to a student from Wundt's lab and a student
from Titchener's lab talking regarding the changes that Titchener had been
made in the understanding of Wundt's theories. What are the differences
they would be discussing (T,B)?
p. 176, Chapter 10, 11 (Thorne) Chapter 8, 9 (Benjamin)
27. How did William James define psychology in his book The Principles
of Psychology? (emotions, habit, consciousness, will, memory, self)
(T,B).
28. Define, compare and contrast structuralism and functionalism. What
caused a rift to form between them (Dewey, Angell, Baldwin, Titchener)?
According to Angell, what should functionalism be about (T,B)?
Chapter 9, 10, 18 (Thorne) Chapter 7,8,9,15 (Benjamin)
29. What were the reasons behind research into developmental, school,
and educational psychology? What social issues were raised by the testing
movement following WW 1? Basically, how did the zeitgeist influence applied
psychology in America (T, B)?
30. Briefly detail the development of the psychological testing movement
beginning with Galton (6 contributions to psychology) and Binet.What were
Terman’s, and Yerkes’ contributions to the psychological testing movement?
What is the variability hypothesis, and what was Hollingworth’s role in
this controversy (T,B)?
31. Who is the founding father in clinical psychology and why? How
did general paresis and WW 2 influence the development of this field (T,B)?
32. How did Hall, Baldwin, Thorndike, and Dewey influence the development
and developmental and educational psychology (T,B)?
33. What were the early medical treatments for individuals with mental
disorders?
34. How did I/O psychology start? How did Scott and Musterberg (motormen)
help bring psychology into the workplace? What did the Hawthorne studies
and the Chattanooga trial do for I/O (T,B)?
Chapter 7, 9, 11, 12 (Thorne) Chapter 10 (Benjamin)
35. There were a number of people who could be considered both a functionalist
and a behaviorist - such as Carr, Thorndike, Small, and Woodworth. What
did they do that would put them in this position (T,B)?
36. How did comparative psychology arise? What were Romanes, Morgan,
Yerkes, Loeb, and Clever Hans influences in this field (T,B)?
Chapter 12 (Thorne) Chapter 11 (Benjamin)
37. Describe Pavlov’s research on conditioning (conditioned reflex,
timing, extinciton, spontaneous recovery, generalization, and discrimination).
Where did these ideas come from (Sechenov) (T,B)?
38. What did Watson feel was wrong with psychology as the structuralists
and functionalists saw it and how should it be corrected (subject matter
and goals)? What 4 other influences were important to the development of
behaviorism (particularly neobehaviorism) (T,B)?
39. How did Watson define emotion? What emotions did he assume existed
in an infant and how were they generated? What emotion was conditioned
in Little Albert and how was it conditioned - make sure to label the CS,
UCS, CR, and UCR (T)?
40. After Watson left academia, he then went on to advertising. How
did he use his behavioral principles in the workforce? Make sure to give
examples of the techniques he used in advertising in detail (Johnson and
Johnson baby powder, Pepco, Pond's Cold Cream, automobiles, cigarettes,
coffee) (Not discussed in class) (T,B).
Chapter 13, 19 (Thorne) Chapter 12 (Benjamin)
41. How did Skinner define his operant approach from Pavlov’s approach
to learning (Type S from Type R)? How is operant conditioning used to modify
behavior? What are the different schedules of reinforcement (T,B)?
42. Skinner attempted to apply his behavioral approach to a number
of areas. How did he do so in Project Pigeon, the baby-tender, Walden 2,
teaching machines, and language (T,B)?
43. Hull developed a very influential theory on drive. Explain IN DETAIL
what he believed happed (T,B).
44. Compare Tolman’s cognitive approach of behaviorism to the prevailing
theory at that time. How did his experiments support his approach (T,B)?
45. How did Bandura's view of learning differ from the traditional
behaviorist views? What is the other way we can learn and be reinforced
according to social learning theory? How does his classic Bobo doll study
show this (T)?
Chapter 14 (Thorne), Chapter 14 (Benjamin)
46. What is meant by Gestalt? Who are Gestalt psychology's triumvirate?
Define figure-ground relationship and the principles of grouping (T,B).
47. What did the studies on phi phenomenon and insight learning do/show
that helped define Gestalt psychology from other types of psychology at
that time(T,B)?
48. Three other psychologists who were associated with the Gestalt
movement were Harlow, Lewin, and Helson. What did they do and why are they
considered to be part of the Gestalt movement (T)?
Thorne, Chapter 15, 16 Benjamin, Chapter 4, 13
49. Freud's theory of personality development arose from numerous factors.
Five factors that are important are hypnotism, the theory of evolution,
the idea of unconscious processing, various philosophies, and the view
of mental illness. How did they contribute to Freud's theory (T,B)?
50. Define Freud's psychosexual stages and explain how the id, ego,
and superego are related to each of these stages (T).
51. Discuss 3 neo-Freudian psychologists and the contributions that
they made - Anna Freud, Melanie Klein, Karen Horney, Erik Erikson, Alfred
Adler, Carl Jung. (Not discussed in class) (T).
52. What is the 3rd force? What did it focus on? How did Maslow, Rogers,
Buhler, and Frankl contribute to this movement? (T).