Functionalism: Antecedent Influences - Ch6 - History of Modern Psychology - Schultz & Schultz

Summary

Dr. Mark Atala introduces the sixth chapter of Schultz and Schultz's *History of Modern Psychology*, focusing on the antecedent influences of functionalism, primarily Charles Darwin's theory of evolution. The lecture covers Darwin's impact on psychology, especially the shift from studying the structure of consciousness to its function. It discusses figures like Francis Galton, Darwin’s cousin, and their contributions to mental inheritance and eugenics. The lecture also explores Darwin’s influence on animal psychology and how functionalism became a uniquely American school of thought in contrast to restrictive European models.

Takeaways

• 🦧 Darwin's visit to the London Zoo in 1838 to observe Jenny the orangutan demonstrated animal intelligence, which influenced his views on evolution.
• 📘 Darwin's theory of evolution shifted psychology's focus from the structure to the function of consciousness, leading to the development of functionalism.
• 🔬 Functionalism, the first American school of psychology, focused on how the mind adapts organisms to their environment, contrasting with European schools like structuralism.
• 🦒 Lamarck's theory of evolution, while incorrect, influenced Darwin. Lamarck believed that environmental adaptations were passed to future generations.
• 🌍 Charles Lyell, a geologist and friend of Darwin, argued that Earth is ancient, supporting Darwin’s ideas of gradual evolutionary changes.
• ✉️ Darwin and Alfred Russel Wallace jointly presented their theories on natural selection in 1858, though Darwin is more recognized for the theory.
• 🔑 Darwin's concept of natural selection, influenced by Malthus, focused on species' adaptations to their environment for survival.
• 📊 Francis Galton, Darwin's cousin, contributed to psychology with his work on mental inheritance, eugenics, and statistical methods, including correlation.
• 📐 Galton's idea of sensory capacity as a measure of intelligence was flawed, but he pioneered techniques for data collection in psychology.
• 🐾 Animal psychology, influenced by Darwin, advanced through researchers like George John Romanes and C. Lloyd Morgan, focusing on animal intelligence and behavior.

Q & A

What is the primary focus of functionalism in psychology?

Functionalism focuses on how the mind functions and adapts an organism to its environment, shifting away from studying the structure of consciousness.

How did Charles Darwin influence the development of functionalism in psychology?

Darwin's work changed psychology's focus from the structure of consciousness to its function, contributing to the creation of functionalism. His theories on evolution and adaptation inspired psychologists to explore how the mind helps organisms survive in their environments.

What key idea did John Baptist Lamarck contribute to evolutionary theory, and why was it later disproved?

Lamarck proposed that organisms could pass on adaptations acquired during their lifetime to their offspring. This was later disproved as evolution is driven by genetic inheritance, not environmental modifications within a single generation.

What role did Charles Lyell play in influencing Darwin's theories?

Charles Lyell, a geologist, proposed that the Earth was very old, which supported the idea of gradual evolutionary change. His work on geologic eras influenced Darwin's thinking and helped prepare the public for evolutionary theory.

How did Alfred Russel Wallace contribute to Darwin's decision to publish 'On the Origin of Species'?

Wallace independently developed a theory of evolution similar to Darwin's and sent it to Darwin for feedback. This prompted Darwin to publish his work to avoid losing credit for his ideas. A joint presentation of their theories was made in 1858.

What were the main points of Darwin's theory of natural selection?

Darwin's theory of natural selection proposed that species adapt to their environments, and those unable to adapt do not survive. The survivors pass on successful traits to future generations, driving evolutionary change.

What was Thomas Henry Huxley's role in defending Darwin's theory?

Huxley was a vigorous defender of Darwin's theory of evolution, especially in public debates. He gained immense popularity, particularly among the working class, for his defense of Darwin's ideas.

How did Darwin's work influence animal psychology?

Darwin's work suggested a continuity between species, which led psychologists to study animal behavior as a way to understand human behavior. This established animal psychology as an important field.

What contributions did Francis Galton make to psychology?

Francis Galton, Darwin's cousin, contributed to the study of mental inheritance, eugenics, and the measurement of individual differences. He also pioneered statistical methods like the normal distribution and developed the concept of intelligence testing.

What was George John Romanes' contribution to animal psychology?

Romanes formalized the study of animal intelligence and introduced the idea of introspection by analogy, suggesting that animals' mental processes could be inferred from human mental processes. He also developed a mental ladder ranking animals by intelligence.