Different Schools Of Psychology
A school of psychology is a group of psychologists who share similar views about the nature of mind, behavior, and methods of studying them. Each school is based on a particular concept (idea), objectives (aims), and methods (ways of study)
Classification of Different Schools of Psychology -
1. Structuralism
- Concept : Mind is made up of basic elements like sensations, images, and feelings.
- Objective : To analyze the structure of mind by breaking it into smallest parts.
- Method : Introspection (self-observation of conscious experiences).
2. Gestalt Psychology
- Concept : Mind works as a whole pattern, not as separate elements. “The whole is greater than the sum of its parts.”
- Objective : To study how perception and experience are organized.
- Method : Study of perception and organization of patterns (not introspection alone).
3. Functionalism
- Concept : Focus on functions of mind and behavior (how they help in adaptation).
- Objective : To understand how mental processes help individuals adjust to environment.
- Method : Observation and experimentation on learning, memory, thinking, etc.
4. Behaviorism
- Concept : Psychology should study only observable behavior, not the mind.
- Objective : To explain behavior in terms of stimulus–response (S-R) relationships.
- Method : Experimental method, especially on conditioning and learning
5. Psychoanalysis
- Concept : Behavior is influenced by unconscious motives and desires.
- Objective : To understand hidden unconscious conflicts and drives.
- Method : Clinical methods such as: Free association, Dream analysis, Case study method