The Creation of Scientific Psychology

This book explores the contributions of pioneers in scientific psychology in Germany during the 19th century, who brought measurement and mathematics into the study of the mind. It highlights the theories of mental processes developed by Whewell, Gauss, Herbart, Weber, Fechner, Helmholtz, Müller, Delboeuf, and others, and how they laid the foundation for psychophysics and experimental psychology. The volume combines nuanced understanding of linguistic and historical factors to identify theoretical approaches to relating physical intensities and psychological magnitudes. It illustrates the legacy of mathematical developments in the 19th century for twentieth and twenty-first century psychologists and fills a deep gap in the history of psychology.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 226 pages
Publication date: 01 August 2022
Publisher: Taylor & Francis Ltd

This comprehensive book delves into the profound contributions of the pioneers of scientific psychology, particularly during the nineteenth century, with a focus on developments in Germany. It offers in-depth examinations of the key milestones achieved by these visionaries, who revolutionized the field by integrating measurement and mathematics into the study of the mind. Through a meticulous analysis of measurement theory by Whewell, mathematical advancements by Gauss, and theories of mental processes developed by Herbart, Weber, Fechner, Helmholtz, Müller, Delboeuf, and others, this volume charts the beliefs, discoveries, and interactions that laid the foundation of psychophysics and its offspring, Experimental Psychology. Murray and Link skillfully blend a nuanced understanding of linguistic and historical factors to identify theoretical frameworks for relating physical intensities and psychological magnitudes. Moreover, the volume showcases the significant legacy that mathematical developments in the nineteenth century have left for twentieth and twenty-first-century psychologists, shedding light on the interplay and influences on future work in the field.

This detailed and captivating account fills a significant void in the history of psychology, appealing to researchers, academics, and students alike. The Creation of Scientific Psychology offers valuable insights into the transformative power of integrating mathematics and measurement in the pursuit of understanding the human mind.

Weight: 480g
Dimension: 229 x 152 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780367649562