Overview:
This article is a 1894 report by William O. Krohn about the state of experimental psychology labs in US colleges. It describes the facilities, research, and equipment of each institution. Krohn emphasizes the rapid growth of this field and argues for its scientific validity. As a reader, you’ll gain insight into the early development of psychology, how labs were established, and what research was being conducted.
Main Parts:
- Introduction: Krohn outlines the origins of experimental psychology, starting with Wundt’s Leipzig lab in 1878. He highlights the rapid adoption of the field in the US and compares it to the slower progress in Europe. He emphasizes the increasing importance of laboratories and argues that psychology is a valid and independent science.
- Lab descriptions: The article provides detailed descriptions of 15 labs at different US colleges, including:
- Brown University
- The Catholic University of America
- University of Chicago
- Clark University
- Columbia College
- Cornell University
- Denison University
- Harvard University
- University of Illinois
- Indiana University
- University of Iowa
- Leland Stanford Junior University
- University of Nebraska
- University of Pennsylvania
- Wellesley College
- University of Wisconsin
- Yale University
- Conclusion: Krohn concludes by summarizing the advancement of experimental psychology in the US, emphasizing the quality of research and the well-equipped labs. He believes this field is at the forefront of scientific inquiry.
View on Life: Krohn’s viewpoint is that psychology, with its experimental methods, is a valid and necessary science. He believes that psychology is not just a subfield of other sciences like neurology or physiology, but should be considered an independent field of study. He advocates for the use of advanced methods and equipment, arguing that psychology should not remain stuck in outdated practices.
Scenarios:
- Establishment of Labs: The article describes the establishment of various labs, including their initial funding, space allocation, and the acquisition of equipment.
- Research Activities: It provides examples of the research being conducted in these labs, such as reaction time, sensory perception, and mental processes.
Challenges:
- Funding: Many labs faced challenges with funding, relying on professors’ salaries or limited endowments.
- Space: Some labs had to make do with temporary or limited space.
- Equipment: Early labs often lacked the most advanced equipment.
- Skepticism: There was still some skepticism about the value of experimental methods in psychology.
Conflict:
- Psychology vs. Other Sciences: Krohn emphasizes the independence of psychology and argues that it should not be seen as a subfield of other sciences.
Plot:
- Rising Field: The article traces the rapid rise of experimental psychology in the US.
- Building Labs: It details the process of creating and equipping labs at various colleges.
- Conducting Research: It highlights the type of research being undertaken in these labs.
Point of View:
- Advocate for Experimental Psychology: Krohn writes from the perspective of a strong advocate for experimental psychology. He believes in its scientific validity and its potential for advancement.
- Optimistic Outlook: He presents a positive and optimistic outlook on the future of this field.
How It’s Written:
- Formal Tone: Krohn uses a formal and academic tone. He writes in a descriptive style, providing detailed information about each lab.
- Example: “At present there is but one room devoted entirely to laboratory purposes. It is 30 by 50 feet, has good light, excellent floor, and three piers from the ground.”
Tone:
- Excited: Krohn’s tone is excited about the development of experimental psychology. He is clearly passionate about the field and its potential.
- Informative: He also uses an informative tone, presenting facts and statistics about the labs and the research being conducted.
Life Choices:
- Choosing to Study Psychology: The article implicitly suggests that students choosing to study psychology are taking a forward-thinking and innovative approach to education.
Lessons:
- Importance of Scientific Inquiry: The article highlights the value of scientific inquiry in the field of psychology.
- Importance of Resources: It demonstrates the importance of adequate resources, such as funding, space, and equipment, for conducting scientific research.
Characters:
- Wilhelm Wundt: A German psychologist who founded the first experimental psychology lab. He is credited with starting the field.
- G. Stanley Hall: An American psychologist who brought experimental methods to the US.
- J. McKeen Cattell: Another early American psychologist who promoted experimental psychology.
- William O. Krohn: The author of the article, a professor at the University of Illinois, who was a proponent of experimental psychology and helped establish a lab at his own institution.
Themes:
- Advancement of Science: The rapid growth of experimental psychology in the US is a testament to the advancement of science.
- Importance of Resources: The article emphasizes the importance of resources for supporting scientific inquiry.
- Scientific Validity of Psychology: It argues that psychology is a valid and independent field of study, worthy of the same scientific rigor as other disciplines.
Principles:
- Scientific Method: The article underscores the importance of using the scientific method in psychology to test theories and generate knowledge.
- Objectivity in Research: It emphasizes the importance of objectivity in research, using controlled environments and quantitative data to minimize bias.
Intentions:
- Krohn’s intentions: Krohn intended to showcase the progress of experimental psychology in the US, highlight the achievements of labs, and encourage further development of the field.
- Reader’s intentions: The intended reader of this article likely has an interest in the history of psychology, the development of experimental labs, or the scientific study of mental processes.
Unique Vocabulary:
- Werkstätte: A German word for a workshop. It refers to Wundt’s early psychology lab.
- Psychometric: Relating to the measurement of mental abilities.
- Kettenreaktion: A German term for a “chain reaction,” referring to a method used in reaction time studies.
- Æsthetic: Relating to beauty or the appreciation of beauty.
Anecdotes:
- Wundt’s Early Lab: The article describes Wundt’s early lab, which was small and initially received little support. This anecdote underscores the humble beginnings of experimental psychology.
- Columbia College’s Collection: The article mentions that Columbia College has a “collection of apparatus not surpassed by any in this country or in Europe.” This anecdote highlights the dedication and resources invested in developing a top-tier psychology lab.
Ideas:
- Psychology as a Science: The article presents the idea that psychology, through the use of experimental methods, can be a valid and objective science.
- Importance of Labs: It also promotes the idea that laboratories are essential for conducting high-quality research in psychology.
Facts and Findings:
- Number of Labs: The article notes that 15 labs were in operation in the US in 1894, and that the number was expected to double within a year.
- Equipment Valuation: It reports that the total value of psychological laboratory equipment in the US was over $30,000, greater than all European labs combined.
- Research Activities: It details various research projects being conducted at the different labs, such as those investigating reaction time, sensory perception, and attention.
Statistics:
- Number of Students: The article lists the number of students enrolled in psychology courses at various colleges. For example, Harvard University had 30 students taking the practice course and a dozen more doing advanced research.
- Equipment Cost: It states that Clark University has $2,500 worth of equipment, while Harvard University has a collection valued at $1,200.
- Library Collections: It provides information about the size of library collections at each institution. For example, Harvard University has a psychology library of 400 volumes.
Point of View:
- First-person perspective: The article is written from the point of view of William O. Krohn, a professor who is actively involved in the field of experimental psychology. This gives the article a personal and engaging perspective.
Perspective:
- Historical perspective: The article provides a historical perspective on the development of experimental psychology in the US. It showcases the early stages of the field, highlighting its rapid growth and the challenges faced by early pioneers.
- Educational perspective: It also offers an educational perspective, describing the different courses and training opportunities available in psychology at various colleges.