What is meant by the term “school of thought”? Has the science of psychology reached the paradigmatic stage of development? Why or why not?
Wundt, a German psychologist, had his own definite ideas, which were influenced by the zeitgeist of that time. After some years, many psychologists rejected his definition of psychology. Around 1900, there were several schools of thoughts, reflecting different ideas related to psychology.
The school of thought refers to group of psychologists, who have common ideologies. They become associated as members. Mostly, the school of thoughts share same ideas, theoretical orientation and investigate similar issues.
Paradigms is seen in field of physics as for over 300 years. Scientist followed the rules, laid down by Newton and Galileo. However, when Einstein’s theory came into play, the scientists adopted the new rule. This replacement of one paradigm was called scientific revolution by Thomas Kuhn.
Over all these years, psychologists have failed to form a single viewpoint. They keep changing it with time. A cognitive psychologist, Miller has said “no standard method or technique integrates this field”. Many psychologists say this with lament that psychology has gone far along the path of disintegration and fragmentation.