Tuesday, March 19, 2019

History of Applied Psychology






            According to the traditional lunar calendar, about 5152 years ago, the Gita was spoken on the 11th day of the Shukla Paksha (November-December) i.e. on the Ekadashi of the Shukla Paksha of Margashirsha month. This is a wonderful example of applied psychology. Shri Krishna had cleared all doubts of Arjuna and prepared him mentally for duty.



Founder of Modern Applied Psychology

            Hugo Munsterberg is considered the founder of modern applied psychology.



            From Aristotle and Plato to Pestalozzi, Francis Galton, William Stern, Thorndike, Walters Scott and then Hugo Musterberg, emphasized the role of psychology in education and life. During this time several important books like “The soul of child” (William Thierry Preyer, 1892); “Teachers handbook of Psychology” (James Sully, 1886); “Witness Testimony” (William Stern, 1910); Educational Psychology (E. L. Thorndike, 1903); “Psychology and Industrial Efficiency” (Musterberg, 1913) were published that highlighted the importance of psychology in education and practical life.



            During this time many international organizations were created who played their role in bringing this discipline closer to people. Some journals also started, which gave public access to newer research in the field. For example “Psychological Clinic, Journal of applied Psychology, Association of Consulting Psychologists, American Association of Applied Psychology” etc.



            In 1921 Terman started ‘Genius Study’ which helped to bring psychology into applied domain with. Rorschach ink blot test was created by Harman Rorschach that marked a new beginning in the application aspect of the psychology. In 1925, psychology proved its worth in selecting soldiers for the army.



            A new school of thought (behaviourism) introduced by John Watson that showed immediate environment has a significant effect on the individual personality. In 1928, Margaret Mead proved that changes in social factors can modify the children’s behaviour.

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