PSYC 411, 511
History of Psychology
Spring 2005
Midterm Exam
Due March 17
This exam is an open book, take-home exam. You may spend as much time on the
exam as necessary, and you may consult whatever references (in addition to
assigned readings) which seem relevant. However, if you consult materials beyond
the assigned readings, they should be listed in footnotes or in a bibliography
as appropriate. You may not, however, consult other students about your answers.
Answer both of the following. Each answer should be limited to 1500 words
(approximately 5 typed pages).
1. Gestalt Psychology and Behaviorism as theoretical perspectives were at
war throughout the 1930, 40s and 50s. In part their battles reflected classic
conflicts between rationalism and empiricism. Discuss.
2. Throughout most of recorded intellectual history it was not self-evident
that psychology should, could, or would become a science. The fact that it
has become so is surely no accident. Beginning with Hobbes discuss
what you consider to be the main lines of philosophical and scientific thought
that contributed to the evolution of psychology as a science.