Foundations of Psychology Timeline by .

1879: Founder of Psychology Lab

giannagiorgio — 2025-01-30 17:47:16 UTC

In 1879, Wilhelm Wundt was a German psychologist and philosopher, who founded experimental psychology. He earned a medical degree at the University of Heidelberg for his discovery. With this discovery, he distinctly showed the difference between biology and psychology.

1920: The Little Albert Experiment

giannagiorgio — 2025-01-30 17:53:06 UTC

This experiment was run by John Hopkins professor, Dr. John B Watson, where he tested the theory of classical conditioning. During this experiment, Dr. John tested on a 9-month old baby, where the baby would be playing with toys, while Dr. John would make loud noises behind the child to scare the child, which in the end made the child afraid of his toys. The outcome of this experiment was that he proved that irrational fears in life could be developed early in life.

1890: Publishing of "Principles of Psychology"

giannagiorgio — 2025-01-30 17:57:07 UTC

Soon after the first psychology lab was discovered, the book "Principles of Psychology" was published. This book was published by William James, who was a Harvard professor and an American philosopher. His book established the field as a formal discipline field, and is still used in the field today.

1898: Discovery of "The Law of Effect"

giannagiorgio — 2025-01-30 18:01:14 UTC

After the publishing of the first psychology book, the Law of Effect was established. This law was established by Edward Thorndike in 1898, where he found that positive reinforcements strengthens associations. The law also defines that actions rewarded with good things are more likely to be repeated then actions with bad consequences or outcomes.

1951: The Asch Conformity Study

giannagiorgio — 2025-01-30 19:40:19 UTC

In 1951, numerous tests were run by psychologist, Solomon Asch which defined that people's decisions are influenced by the groups they are in. This experiment was done by putting people together in groups and seeing the percent's in which the people voted. It was concluded that 75% of the peoples answers were dependant on the majorities answers, and not their own personal beliefs, which concluded Asch's belief that in group settings, more people are likely to conform.

1942: Client-centered therapy

giannagiorgio — 2025-01-30 19:44:33 UTC

In 1942, Carl Rogers was one of the most eminent thinkers and educators in the psychology field. He created the psychotherapy method of client-centered therapy. This type of therapy was a non-directive way of communication between a client and a therapist, where they don't pass judgement, but instead offers solutions to your issue.

1952: Publishment of "Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders"

giannagiorgio — 2025-01-30 19:48:17 UTC

This manual was created in 1953, where it discusses mental health and brain-related conditions and disorders. This manual was published by the APA, or the American Psychiatric Association. This book helps therapists today diagnose mental disorders and improves treatment options and research.

1954: Publishment of "Motivations and Personality"

giannagiorgio — 2025-01-30 19:54:31 UTC

This book was published by Abraham Maslow, where he describes the theory of hierarchy needs. This theory is one of the best theories of motivation and how our actions are motivated by certain psychological needs. His book also depicts the basic needs for humans like food, shelter, homeostasis, and security, before they get to complex needs.

1967: Cognitive Psychology

giannagiorgio — 2025-01-30 19:58:41 UTC

This theory of cognitive psychology and therapy was introduced by Ulric Neisser. Cognitive psychology is the study of internal processes like perception, thinking, and memory. This correlates to his establishment of cognitive-behavior therapy because it helps people learn to change their disturbing or destructive thought patterns that have negative influences on their decision making skills or behaviors/emotions.

1974: Publishing of "Obedience Authority"

giannagiorgio — 2025-01-30 20:03:13 UTC

This theory was published by Stanley Milgram, who was a Yale psychologist. He used various tests including an authority figure ordering participants to do certain things. His tests concluded that people are more obedient to an authority figure then another civilian. This theory led to the publishing of his book "Obedience Authority", which outlines his methods, conclusions, and critiques to those who use this type of obedience.

October 2024: Cognitive boost from exercise can last for 24 hours

giannagiorgio — 2025-02-03 17:32:57 UTC

Suggested by studiers from UCL, the short term boost our brain gets from exercising can follow into the next day. It is proven that physical movement can help with your mental health and can last for almost 24 hours.