What Students Know about the History of Psychology before Taking the Course

Abstract

This article describes the use of a questionnaire at the beginning of a history of psychology course. The questionnaire assesses student knowledge of historical findings, major concepts, and assumptions about the nature of psychology. Responses indicate gaps in students' knowledge that are useful in guiding course instruction. Comparison of student responses with responses by faculty members has stimulated discussions of the need for more careful attention to historical roots and broad conceptual issues in other psychology courses.