Infographic 0.2: Psychology's Roots

The tree has two main parts, a bottom section labeled the “philosophical and scientific roots”, and an upper section of branched portions, each of which describes a different perspective, including at least one major figure in the movement, and a small illustrated acorn, hanging off each branch, which poses an example or question characteristic of the movement it stems from. Four figures constitute the philosophical and scientific roots of the tree: Plato (427-347 BC), Aristotle (384-322 BC), Descartes (1596-1650), and Gustav Fechner (1801-1887). Text in the section reads “Ancient and modern philosophers and scientists explored the connection between mind and body.” and “Does this tree exist in the physical world or only in my mind?” There are ten total branches of the tree, some of which are connected to others. Branch 1 is titled “Structuralism” and reads “Used reports of subjective experience (introspection) to describe the structure of the mind.” Its major figures are Edward Titchener (1867-1927), Wilhelm Wundt (1832-1920), and Margaret Flo Washburn (1871-1939). Its acorn reads “Describe in detail each element of this tree, including color, shape, size, etc.” A photograph on the branch showing Wilhelm Wundt reads “Wilhelm Wundt, ‘father of psychology,’ founded the first laboratory dedicated to psychology.” Branch 2 is titled “Biological Perspective” and reads “Use knowledge about underlying physiology to explain behavior and mental processes.” The acorn reads “How do my eyes and brain work together to sense and perceive this tree?” There are no major figures listed. Branch 3 is titled “Functionalism” and reads “interested in how the mind functions to help us adapt and survive.” The major figures are Mary Whiton Calkins (1863-1930) and William James (1842-1910). The acorn reads “How does resting under this tree promote my long-term survival?” Branches 1 and 3 are connected to Branch 4, which is titled “Cognitive perspective” and reads “Renewed focus on mental processes, including physiological explanations.” The major figure is George Miller (1920-2012). The acorn reads “How am I able to remember where this tree is in the forest?” Branch 3 is also connected to Branches 5 and 6. Branch 5 is titled “Evolutionary Perspective” and reads “Use knowledge about evolutionary forces to understand behavior.” Its major figure is Charles Darwin (1809-1882). Its acorn reads “Is my fear of heights inherited? could it have contributed to my survival?” Branch 6 is titled “Behavioral perspective” and reads “Interested in studying only behavior that can be observed and measured.” Its major figures are B.F. Skinner (1904-1990), Ivan Pavlov (1849-1936), and John Watson (1878-1958). Its acorn reads “Is spending time relaxing under this tree reinforced? If yes, I will come back again.” Branch 6 is connected to branch 7, which is titled “Humanistic Perspective” and reads “Maintain an optimistic focus on human behavior; believe that each person is a master of his own fate. The major figures are Carl Rogers (1902-1987) and Abraham Maslow (1908-1970). Its acorn reads “Will tending to and nurturing this tree help me reach my fullest potential?” Branch 7 is connected to branch 8, which is titled “Psychoanalytic perspective” and reads “Interested in abnormal functioning and unconscious thought; personality is shaped by unconscious conflict.” The major figure is Sigmund Freud (1856-1939), and the acorn reads “How do your feelings about the size of this tree relate to your unconscious aggression toward your father?” Branches 9 and 10 are connected to each other but not to any other branches, though they are not abnormally far away from the other branches. Branch 9 is titled “Biopsychosocial perspective” and reads “examine the biological, psychological, and sociocultural factors influencing behavior.” The acorn reads “What biological, psychological, and social factors influence the way I manage my allergy to tree pollen?” There are no major figures listed. Branch 10 is titled “Sociocultural perspective”, and reads “Understand behavior by examining influences of other people and the larger culture.” Major figures are Mamie Phipps Clark (1917-1983) and Lev Vygotsky (1896-1934). The acorn reads “How do cultures differ in their attitudes toward nature?”