Abraham Maslow, emphasised the free will of human beings and their natural striving to grow and unfold their inner potential. They argued that behaviourism with its emphasis on behaviour as determined by environmental conditions undermines human freedom and dignity and takes a mechanistic view of human nature. These different approaches filled the history of modern psychology and provided multiple perspectives to its development. Each of these perspectives has its own focus and draws our attention to the complexity of psychological processes.
There are strengths as well as weaknesses in each approach. Some of these approaches have led to further Wilhelm Wundt establishes the first psychology laboratory in Leipzig, Germany. William James publishes Principles of Psychology. Functionalism is formulated as a system of psychology.
Sigmund Freud develops Psychoanalysis. Ivan Pavlov wins the Nobel Prize for his work on digestive system that led to understanding of principles of development of responses. Intelligence test developed by Binet and Simon. First Psychology Department at Calcutta University is established.
Gestalt psychology is born in Germany. Psychology is included in Indian Science Congress Association. Indian Psychological Association is founded. John B.
Watson publishes ‘Behaviourism’, a book that led to the foundation of behaviourism. N.N. Sengupta and Radhakamal Mukerjee publish the first textbook on Social Psychology (London : Allen & Unwin). Psychological Research Wing of the Defence Science Organisation of India is established.
Humanistic psychologist Carl Rogers publishes Client-Centred Therapy. B.F. Skinner publishes ‘Science and Human Behaviour’, strengthening