Introduction: What is psychology?

Abstract

Chapter 1 traces the historical origins of psychology as an independent field of study. It describes the contributions of structuralism, functionalism, Gestalt psychology, psychoanalysis, behaviorism, and humanism to the development of psychology in the West. Contemporary perspectives including biological, evolutionary, behavioral, cognitive, social cognitive, psychodynamic, positive, and sociocultural are also examined. Of particular interest is the development of contemporary psychology in China, Japan, and India. The chapter then proceeds to discuss current areas of research in psychology, including developmental psychology, biological psychology, sensation and perception, cognitive psychology, social psychology, personality, cultural psychology, and psychometrics. The chapter ends with a brief description of careers in psychology.