Psychology 101 Chapter 1 Notes: History, Schools & Key
Concepts (2026/2027)
Introduction to Psychology | Key Domains: Historical Foundations (Wundt, Structuralism,
Functionalism), Major Schools of Thought (Psychoanalytic, Behavioral, Humanistic, Cognitive,
Biological, Sociocultural), Contemporary Perspectives, Key Concepts & Terminology, and Research
Methods Overview | Expert-Aligned Structure | Chapter Notes & Study Guide Format
Introduction
This structured Psychology 101 Chapter 1 Notes for 2026/2027 provides a comprehensive
overview of the history, foundational schools of thought, and key concepts in psychology. It
emphasizes understanding the evolution of psychological perspectives, distinguishing between
different approaches, and mastering the introductory terminology essential for further study in the
field.
Guide Structure:
● Detailed Notes & Summaries: (HISTORY, SCHOOLS, CONCEPTS)
● Integrated Review Questions: (50 IDENTIFICATION & CONCEPTUAL ITEMS)
Answer Format
All correct terms, historical figures, and school associations must appear in bold and cyan blue,
accompanied by concise rationales explaining the key contribution of a historical figure (e.g.,
Wundt's establishment of the first psychology lab), the core principles of a school of thought (e.g.,
Behaviorism's focus on observable behavior), the definition of a foundational concept (e.g., nature
vs. nurture), and why alternative associations or definitions are historically or conceptually
inaccurate.
Detailed Notes & Summaries
Historical Foundations
, Modern psychology began in 1879 when Wilhelm Wundt established the first experimental
psychology laboratory in Leipzig, Germany. This marked psychology’s emergence as a distinct
scientific discipline separate from philosophy and physiology.
Structuralism, led by Edward Titchener, aimed to analyze the basic elements of consciousness
through introspection. However, its reliance on subjective reports limited its scientific reliability.
In contrast, Functionalism, championed by William James, focused on how mental processes help
individuals adapt to their environment—shifting emphasis from structure to function, influenced by
Darwin’s theory of evolution.
Major Schools of Thought
● Psychoanalytic Theory: Developed by Sigmund Freud, it emphasizes unconscious drives,
early childhood experiences, and internal conflicts as determinants of behavior. Critics note
its lack of empirical testability.
● Behaviorism: Pioneered by John B. Watson and expanded by B.F. Skinner, this school
asserts that psychology should study only observable behavior, rejecting introspection and
focusing on learning via conditioning.
● Humanistic Psychology: Led by Carl Rogers and Abraham Maslow, it emphasizes free
will, self-actualization, and personal growth—offering an optimistic counterpoint to
deterministic views.
● Cognitive Psychology: Revived in the mid-20th century, it studies mental processes like
memory, perception, and problem-solving. It emerged partly in response to behaviorism’s
neglect of internal mental states.
● Biological (Neuroscience) Perspective: Examines how brain structures,
neurotransmitters, hormones, and genetics influence behavior and mental processes.
● Sociocultural Perspective: Focuses on how social and cultural environments shape
behavior, thought, and emotion—highlighting diversity and context.
Contemporary Perspectives
Today’s psychology integrates multiple perspectives. The biopsychosocial model recognizes that
biological, psychological, and social factors interact to influence behavior and mental health.
Key Concepts & Terminology
● Nature vs. Nurture: Debate over whether behavior is determined by genetic inheritance
(nature) or environmental experience (nurture). Modern consensus supports
interactionism.
● Empiricism: The view that knowledge comes primarily from sensory experience and
observation—central to scientific psychology.
● Scientific Method: A systematic process involving observation, hypothesis formation,
experimentation, and conclusion—ensuring objectivity and replicability.
● Introspection: A method of self-observation used by structuralists; later criticized for
subjectivity.
● Operant Conditioning: Learning through consequences (reinforcement/punishment),
central to B.F. Skinner's behaviorism.
● Classical Conditioning: Associative learning demonstrated by Ivan Pavlov.
Concepts (2026/2027)
Introduction to Psychology | Key Domains: Historical Foundations (Wundt, Structuralism,
Functionalism), Major Schools of Thought (Psychoanalytic, Behavioral, Humanistic, Cognitive,
Biological, Sociocultural), Contemporary Perspectives, Key Concepts & Terminology, and Research
Methods Overview | Expert-Aligned Structure | Chapter Notes & Study Guide Format
Introduction
This structured Psychology 101 Chapter 1 Notes for 2026/2027 provides a comprehensive
overview of the history, foundational schools of thought, and key concepts in psychology. It
emphasizes understanding the evolution of psychological perspectives, distinguishing between
different approaches, and mastering the introductory terminology essential for further study in the
field.
Guide Structure:
● Detailed Notes & Summaries: (HISTORY, SCHOOLS, CONCEPTS)
● Integrated Review Questions: (50 IDENTIFICATION & CONCEPTUAL ITEMS)
Answer Format
All correct terms, historical figures, and school associations must appear in bold and cyan blue,
accompanied by concise rationales explaining the key contribution of a historical figure (e.g.,
Wundt's establishment of the first psychology lab), the core principles of a school of thought (e.g.,
Behaviorism's focus on observable behavior), the definition of a foundational concept (e.g., nature
vs. nurture), and why alternative associations or definitions are historically or conceptually
inaccurate.
Detailed Notes & Summaries
Historical Foundations
, Modern psychology began in 1879 when Wilhelm Wundt established the first experimental
psychology laboratory in Leipzig, Germany. This marked psychology’s emergence as a distinct
scientific discipline separate from philosophy and physiology.
Structuralism, led by Edward Titchener, aimed to analyze the basic elements of consciousness
through introspection. However, its reliance on subjective reports limited its scientific reliability.
In contrast, Functionalism, championed by William James, focused on how mental processes help
individuals adapt to their environment—shifting emphasis from structure to function, influenced by
Darwin’s theory of evolution.
Major Schools of Thought
● Psychoanalytic Theory: Developed by Sigmund Freud, it emphasizes unconscious drives,
early childhood experiences, and internal conflicts as determinants of behavior. Critics note
its lack of empirical testability.
● Behaviorism: Pioneered by John B. Watson and expanded by B.F. Skinner, this school
asserts that psychology should study only observable behavior, rejecting introspection and
focusing on learning via conditioning.
● Humanistic Psychology: Led by Carl Rogers and Abraham Maslow, it emphasizes free
will, self-actualization, and personal growth—offering an optimistic counterpoint to
deterministic views.
● Cognitive Psychology: Revived in the mid-20th century, it studies mental processes like
memory, perception, and problem-solving. It emerged partly in response to behaviorism’s
neglect of internal mental states.
● Biological (Neuroscience) Perspective: Examines how brain structures,
neurotransmitters, hormones, and genetics influence behavior and mental processes.
● Sociocultural Perspective: Focuses on how social and cultural environments shape
behavior, thought, and emotion—highlighting diversity and context.
Contemporary Perspectives
Today’s psychology integrates multiple perspectives. The biopsychosocial model recognizes that
biological, psychological, and social factors interact to influence behavior and mental health.
Key Concepts & Terminology
● Nature vs. Nurture: Debate over whether behavior is determined by genetic inheritance
(nature) or environmental experience (nurture). Modern consensus supports
interactionism.
● Empiricism: The view that knowledge comes primarily from sensory experience and
observation—central to scientific psychology.
● Scientific Method: A systematic process involving observation, hypothesis formation,
experimentation, and conclusion—ensuring objectivity and replicability.
● Introspection: A method of self-observation used by structuralists; later criticized for
subjectivity.
● Operant Conditioning: Learning through consequences (reinforcement/punishment),
central to B.F. Skinner's behaviorism.
● Classical Conditioning: Associative learning demonstrated by Ivan Pavlov.
