Major Theorists In Psychology

Question 1

What is Gestalt Psychology?

Answer 1

Founded by Wertheimer, Koffka, and Köhler; emphasized perception of whole patterns (not parts); principle: ‘the whole is greater than the sum of its parts’; concepts include figure-ground, proximity, similarity, closure, continuity.

Question 2

Who is Sigmund Freud?

Answer 2

Founder of psychoanalysis; emphasized the role of the unconscious in behavior; developed a tripartite model of personality (Id, Ego, Superego) and psychosexual stages of development.

Question 3

What are the components of Freud’s personality model?

Answer 3

Id (pleasure principle), Ego (reality principle), Superego (moral conscience from society).

Question 4

What are Freud’s psychosexual stages?

Answer 4

Oral, anal, phallic, latency, genital; fixation during stages can affect adult personality.

Question 5

What methods did Freud use in his practice?

Answer 5

Used free association, dream analysis, and case studies to uncover unconscious conflicts and desires.