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SAGE Journal User Guide

Article 1: Wolffram, H. (2012). Hallucination or materialization? The animism versus spiritism debate in late- 19^th -century Germany. History of the Human Sciences, 25, (2). 45-66

[This article examines the animism versus spiritism debate in the late 19^th century. A closer look is given to the debate about what is the nature of psychology and unconscious, and what should be the proper subjects and methods of psychology.]

Questions to Consider:

1. Identify and discuss several of the main principles behind animism and spiritism.  Examine the historical contexts where the two movements developed.
2. According to the article, what role did the debate between animism and spiritism played in the developing fielding of psychology? Why it is important to study the history of pseudo-sciences, such as animism and spiritism?
3. Briefly discuss the role that William Wundt played in the development of psychology as a scientific discipline.

Article 2: Brock, A.C. (2014). Psychology in the modern sense. Theory & Psychology, 24, (5). 717-722.

[This article critically examines Daniel Robinson’s notion that the term “modern psychology” is superficial and non-precise.]

Questions to Consider:

1. How does Daniel Robinson understand the term “modern”? What arguments does he present regarding the usage of the term “modern psychology” in history of psychology textbooks? Do you agree/disagree with him?
2. What arguments does the author of the article present in order to refute Daniel Robinson’s views? Do you agree/disagree with the author of this article?
3. What is the “new” history of psychology? How is the birth date of psychology as a separate science reconsidered in the context of this “new” history of psychology?

Article 3: Takasuna, M. (2012). The Fukurai affair: parapsychology and the history of psychology in Japan. History of the Human Sciences, 25, (2). 149-164.

[This article provides a historical account of the Fukurai affair, which is believed to be the decisive force in impeding clinical psychology advancements in Japan.]

Questions to Consider:

1. Discuss some of the features and role that spiritualism and hypnotism played in late 19^th and early 20^th century Japan.
2. Identify the historical context that made Fukurai’s pursuits to study parapsychological phenomena a reality despite him being criticized by scientific community.
3. Briefly discuss Fukurai’s research on clairvoyance and thoughtography. Did he employ rigorous scientific methods?
4. What role did Fukurai’s legacy play in the delayed emergence of clinical psychology in Japan?