Important Figures In Psychology

Introduction

Psychology is a science that involves the behavior of a person and their state of mind. In addition, it also involves the conscious and the unconscious part of a person. Psychology can also be defined as an academic discipline that includes various interests, and when combined, it brings out an understanding of all brain factors and properties. Psychology has been used on different occasions to heal, reconcile, remember, and also to understand. More so, psychology can be applied to anyone: children, teenagers, youths, adults, and older people. According to Robert, Jean, and Kristin (2007), Psychology became common in the 1980s, when many people studied to become psychologists. Today, the number of psychologists has heightened to almost a million. To be specific, the paper will discuss three important figures in the history of psychology, how they brought about new understanding, and also how their studies and findings have influenced the discipline today.

First, Burrhus Frederic Skinner was one of the best researchers and teachers. Skinner started the study of psychology, which is known as behaviorism. He was born in 1904 in Pennsylvania with a younger brother, Edward. In addition, Fred was resourceful, imaginative, and playful; this helped him deal with the problems he had as a teenager and in his youthful years. Skinner suffered a traumatic loss after his brother and grandfather passed away, leaving him vulnerable and broken to pursue his dreams. Later, in August 1926, he read about behaviorism, which was considered the answer to the criticism claiming that psychology was not a true science. In 1928, Skinner started psychology classes at Harvard. More so, he was determined to make his own discoveries on behaviorism. In addition, Skinner believed that positive reinforcement was always more effective than severe punishment. Today, therapists have used Skinner’s ideas to help people overcome phobias without using emotionally driven actions. Recently, scientists have declared that learning involves different factors and that delayed action can be much more effective than immediate ones.

Secondly, Jean Piaget was another important figure in the history of Psychology. The Swiss psychologist was born in August 1896 and died in 1980. Piaget is known for his extensive study of child development. More than anything, he was dedicated to the importance of children’s education, claiming that education is the only thing capable of saving society from any downfall. Piaget established several organizations, such as the International Center for Genetic Epistemology, in 1955 while he was working at the University of Geneva. The Centre led to great findings and research, hence being referred to as the Piaget Factory. Furthermore, his ideas led to the creation of the study of development as a major and well-known discipline in psychology. This field has been studied and acknowledged to date.

Thirdly, Sigmund Freud was one of the best neurologists in the history of psychology. Freud was born in 1856 and died in 1939. In essence, he founded psychoanalysis, a method that is used in the treatment of psychopathology. In this process, the patient converses with a psychoanalyst, giving in ways of treatment. When he created psychoanalysis, he developed very crucial therapeutic techniques, including the use of free association. More so, Freud analyzed dreams as a way to fulfill wishes, and he also discovered libido, which is an energy comprised in someone’s mind that brings about erotic attachments. Later, Freud developed a deep understanding of religion and culture. Today, psychoanalysis is an influential part of psychology, psychiatry, and psychotherapy. According to Tom Burns, psychoanalysis continues to generate arguments regarding its therapeutic efficacy, its status in the scientific world, and its contribution to the feminist cause. Nonetheless, his work has been contemplated with Western thought and culture.

In conclusion, Skinner, Piaget, and Freud bring about the development of major disciplines in the history of psychologists. They gave psychology a meaning and new understanding that has been referred to and used to date. Many psychologists today follow in the footsteps of various important figures in the history of psychology.