Approaches of Psychology



  • Research has introduced several basic learning approaches in the study of psychology.

  1. Structuralism
  2. Functionalism
  3. Psycho Analytic School
  4. Behaviorism
  5. Gestalt Psychology
  6. Humanistic Psychology
  7. Cognitive Psychology
  8. Bio Psychology
  9. Social Learning Theory
  • Structuralism
Structuralism is considered the first school of modern psychology. Wilhelm Wundt, who is considered the father of modern psychology, presented structuralism at the same time he founded the psychology laboratory at the University of Leipzig. Structuralists accepted that the mind could be analyzed into subtle parts. Structuralism is a theory of consciousness that attempts to analyze the elements of mental experience such as sensations, mental images, and emotions. It is also possible to study how these elements combine to form more complex experiences. Structuralism was the first school of psychology and focused on breaking down mental processes into the most basic components. Researchers tried to understand the basic elements of consciousness using a method known as introspection.  Titchner, an Englishman who developed structuralism, defined the mind as the sum total of the mental processes that the individual has developed during his lifetime. Thus, Titchner, who expressed consciousness as the result of the mind as individual ideas, emotions, sensations and perceptions, said that they can be observed through introspection.
  • Functionalism
Functionalism emerged as the second school of psychology to compensate for the weaknesses of structuralism. Instead of studying the structure or form of the mind, the functionalists stated that it is appropriate to study how the mind works when the human being interacts with the environment around him. Two American philosophers, William James (1842-1910) and John Dewey(1859-1952) were the pioneers of this school. William James is considered the father of functionalism. Critics consider William James Charles Darwin's theory of evolution to be instrumental in the formation of functionalism. Meanwhile, James Makens Cattle (1860-1944) an outstanding American psychologist, and Stanley Hall (1846-1924) an outstanding psychologist, worked to develop psychology in functionalism. They pointed out that human behavior should also be taken into account when studying the workings of the human mind. 

  • Psycho Analytic School
Psychoanalysis was introduced by Sigmund Freud, a neurologist born in Czechoslovakia (Austria).  As a result of studying the inner mind or the unconscious, one of the greatest contributions of modern psychology, psychoanalysis was created by Sigmund Freud. A fundamental tenet of psychoanalysis is that the unconscious guides the individual. 
There are several key concepts contributed to psychology by psychoanalysis. 
  • Classification of Mind (Conscious, Subconscious, Unconscious)
  • Personality Structure (Id, Ego, Superego)
  • Stages of psychosexual development (Oral, Anal, Phallic, Latency, Genital)
  • Oedipus complex and Electra complex
  • Conservation effects
  • Psychotherapy approaches
  • Hypnosis
  • Dream analysis
Freud's psychoanalysis is based on the basic human needs such as the need for pleasure, the desire for life, the desire for death, aggression, and sex, which are innate in the individual.

  • Behaviorism






Comments

  1. Alex Carter 6 December 2025 at 08:39

    Understanding different approaches in psychology, from behavioral to cognitive, is essential for grasping how human behavior is studied and interpreted. I agree that applying these theories practically can make learning more meaningful. Additionally, when assignments on complex topics feel overwhelming, using do my assignment for me in the middle of your study process can provide step-by-step guidance and clarify difficult concepts. Has anyone tried combining self-study with professional assignment support? I’d love to hear how it helped improve understanding, time management, and overall performance in psychology coursework.

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