Who stated that “Psychology is the Positive Science of conduct of living creatures” ?

Question

Accepted Answer

Sir William McDougall is correctly identified as the one who stated that “Psychology is the Positive Science of conduct of living creatures.”

Here's why:

*   **Sir William McDougall:** McDougall was a prominent early psychologist known for his work on instinct and social psychology. His definition of psychology often emphasized the study of behavior and purpose, aligning with the given statement. While his views evolved over time, this definition is consistent with his early contributions to the field.

Now, let's examine why the other options are incorrect:

*   **Sir Francis Galton:** Galton is primarily known for his work in eugenics, statistics, and the study of individual differences, particularly intelligence and heredity. While he made significant contributions to psychology, he is not associated with the specific definition of psychology provided in the question. His focus was more on measurement and individual variation rather than a broad definition of the field as the "positive science of conduct."

*   **Max Wertheimer:** Wertheimer was a key figure in the development of Gestalt psychology, which emphasizes the importance of perceiving the whole rather than just the sum of its parts. His work focused on perception, problem-solving, and thinking. While influential, he is not known for defining psychology as the "positive science of conduct of living creatures." His focus was on perceptual organization and cognitive processes.

*   **William James:** James is considered one of the founders of American psychology and is known for his functionalist approach, emphasizing the purpose and function of mental processes. While James wrote extensively on psychology, his definitions and descriptions of the field are generally broader and more focused on conscious experience and adaptation than the specific definition provided. He is more associated with defining psychology as the study of mental life.

Therefore, based on historical context and the known contributions of each psychologist, Sir William McDougall is the most appropriate answer to the question.