Wundt opened the first experimental psychology laboratory in Leipzig, Germany designated to the scientific study of psychological enquiry under controlled conditions. As a result, Psychology began to emerge as its own discipline.
1900s
Freud psychodynamic approach
Freud highlighted the importance of the unconscious mind on behaviour and developed his own therapy called psychoanalysis.
1900s
Pavlov and skinner – behaviourists
Researchers such as Pavlov and Skinner conducted controlled experiments on objective behaviour. They criticised Freud and Wundt, arguing that true scientific psychology should only study phenomena that can be directly observed and measured.
1950s
Rogers and Maslow – humanistic approach
Rogers and Maslow rejected the scientific views put forward by both the behaviourist and psychodynamic approaches and emphasised the importance of free will and holistic understanding.
1960s
Cognitive approach
Legitimised the study of the mind using controlled laboratory experiments. Psychologists used concrete computer models to help explain mental processes
1980s
Gene sequencing for DNA technology -biological approach
Used controlled, scientific measures to study observable behaviours and objectively measure physiological processes. Advances in technology allowed genetic testing to investigate the relationship between genes and behaviour.
2000s
Cognitive neuroscience
Has emerged in the forefront of psychology, bringing together the biological and cognitive approaches. Investigates how biological structures influence mental states.
