Before modern psychology, non-scientific psychological theories were common. Mesmerism, a precursor of hypnotism and one such non-scientific approach, is symbolized here by a pocket watch which is often used in modern hypnotism. Pseudoscientific Schools of Thought Summary Before psychology bloomed as a science, many attempted to explain psychological phenomena with methods that had no testable, provable basis. Some of the claims of these early "psychologists" were that mental ability could be measured by measuring the skull and that magnetic wands could heal people.

A chart a phrenologist would use. This mesmerist practices his skill on a patient. Important People from Pseudoscientific Schools of Thought Joseph Gall (AD 1700s and 1800s): Gall came up with phrenology, his idea that psychological abilities could be measured by measuring features of the skull. He was wrong, but later, certain parts of the brain were tied to certain abilities. Franz Anton Mesmer (AD 1800s): Mesmer tried to heal his patients by waving magnetic wands over their problem areas. He said his patients fell into a trance and were healed afterward. His technique was the ancestor of hypnosis.

Philosophical Roots Physiological Roots Pseudoscientific Schools of Thought Structuralism Functionalism Psychoanalysis Gestalt Behaviorism Humanism Cognitive Psychology's Roots Home

by Steven N. Jacowski, September 20, 2004
Mr. Ward's AP Psychology - 6th
Craig High School