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Many of the ideas of early researchers have since been rejected or modified. Yet their work has inspired further study and provided the basis for acquiring more knowledge and developing additional theories. Moreover, each of the major figures and schools of thought in psychology has made an important contribution.

The German physiologist W. Wundt is aptly known as the father of modern psychology. He taught the first course in psychology in 1862 at the University of Heidelberg. Wundt set up the first experimental psychology laboratory in Leipzig in 1879. He launched the discipline as a science to be studied by means of systematic methods.

The functionalists broadened the definition of psychology. They drew attention to the importance of mental life in adapting to the environment. The functionalists encouraged a focus on learning as a means of adaptation. The most influential functionalist was William James who stressed the dynamic nature of consciousness.

The behaviorists further enhanced an understanding of learning, with their stress on the importance of rewards and punishments. John Watson formulated the goals of behaviorism in 1913. He proposed its methods of study to be modeled on the methods of the natural sciences. E. Thorndike was also influential in developing behaviorist thought. He was credited with discovering trial-and-error learning. This type of learning emphasizes the importance of rewards.

The gestaltists reemphasized the mental processes that the behaviorists had neglected. The most famous gestaltists were Max Wertheimer, Kurt Koffka and Wolfgang Kohler. They did not agree with behaviorists that psychology must be limited to the study of observable behavior. They believed that the mind inevitably brings together the various pieces of data the sense organs register, forming them into the perception of a whole. This whole they called a Gestalt (form or pattern).

Cognitive psychology has developed since 1950s. It studies cognitive processes in many areas including learning, memory, problem solving, etc. Frederic Bartlett, Jean Piaget, Jerome Bruner, George Miller and others were the influential cognitive psychologists.

Freud also made a significant contribution by giving psychology the understanding that some of our motivations may be hidden from conscious awareness. He gradually developed an elaborate theory of personality development and structure based on his observations. Freud called attention to the frequent importance of early life and to existence of unconscious motives.

Finally, the humanists such as A. Maslow and C. Rogers stressed the uniqueness of individuals and potential for freedom of choice. They emphasized the positive side of human nature, the side that is creative and constructive and that seeks to build caring relationships with others.

Concepts from the past form the foundation for current approaches to different psychological problems.