Chapter Outline Assignment
PSY 1010
The chapter outline is a way to understand the hierarchical organization of a chapter. To
do the outline, one first examines the table of contents to discover the major and minor
headings for each chapter. For example, in our text, Chapter 1 is called Introduction and
Research Methods. The first major section is called The Origins of Psychology. The
first major heading in this section is The Influence of Philosophy and Physiology; the
second is Wilhelm Wundt: The Founder of Psychology, etc.
Next, go to the chapter and read, and then begin writing your outline.
Write the title and a description of the material in the chapter, then the first major heading
and write a description of the material there, etc. Make sure your description is brief, but
concise and thorough. Often times, the major sections are divided into minor sections
that further explain the major heading. Be sure to include these minor sections as well.
Use methods to differentiate the various levels of headings (e.g., Bold, Underlined,
Italicized).
Please be sure to write to type of assignment you are doing on the top of the paper!
Chapter 1: Introduction and Research Methods
The Origins of Psychology-Historical context is important for many reasons.
First, there are a wide range of topics. Second, understanding how the definition
of psychology has changed over time.
The Influence of Philosophy and Physiology: Both disciplines influenced
the early thinking of psychology.
Descarte’s Interactive Dualism-mind and body are separate
Nature vs. Nurture-are traits inborn (nature) or learned (nurture)
Heredity vs. Environment –modern day question of nature vs.
nurture
Physiology-brain’s influence on behavior
Wilhelm Wundt:- Late 1800’s studied people’s reaction time in a
laboratory
Edward Tichener- Late 1800’s – early 1900’s. Structuralism-our most
complex experiences can be broken down into elemental
structures. Used introspection to for subjects to break down
experiences into elemental structures. Thought to be unreliable
method. Can’t study children or animals.
William James: 1870’s Functionalism-stresses the importance of how
behavior functions go allow people to adapt to their environment.
Study conscious experience as an ever changing stream.
Etc.
