A Brief History of Modern Psychology offers a concise account of the evolution of this dynamic field—from early pioneers of psychological theory to cutting-edge contemporary applications. In this revised third edition, leading scholar Ludy Benjamin surveys the significant figures, concepts, and schools of thought that have shaped modern psychology. Engaging and accessible narrative provides readers historical and disciplinary context to modern psychology and encourages further investigation of the topics and individuals presented. This book provides a solid foundational knowledge of psychology’s past, covering essential areas including prescientific psychology, physiology and psychophysics, early schools of German and American psychology, and the origins of applied psychology, behaviorism, and psychoanalysis. Exploration of 20th century and contemporary developments, including the emergence of clinical and cognitive psychology, ensures a complete overview of the field.

The author integrates biographical information on widely recognized innovators such as Carl Jung, Wilhelm Wundt, and B.F. Skinner with lesser known figures including E.B. Titchener, Mary Calkins, and Leta Hollingworth. This personalistic approach to history allows readers to understand the theories, research, and practices of the individuals who laid the foundation to modern psychology.

Brief Contents

List of Illustrations

Preface

1 Pre-Scientific Psychology

2 Physiology, Psychophysics, and the Science of Mind

3 Germany and the Birth of a New Science

4 Origins of Scientific Psychology in America

5 The Early Schools of American Psychology

6 The Birth of the New Applied Psychology in America

7 Psychoanalysis

8 Behaviorism

9 The New Profession of Psychology

10 A Psychology of Social Action and Social Change

11 Cognitive Psychology

Epilogue

Index