According to an essay published online on the Earlham College website, Margaret Floy Washburn made numerous contributions to the field of psychology. In addition to being a pioneer in this field which had previously been not simply dominated by men thought was the exclusive domain of males, she was known for her interest in "methodological innovation, development of theory, experimental research, and education." One of her greatest contributions to the field of psychology was contained in her book "The Animal Mind." In this book, Washburn analyzed the behavioral response to stimulation's, presence of approach/avoidance behavior, behavioral adaptation to a goal, and mere variability of behavior. She rejects these hypotheses and opted for viewing animal mentality as being structurally similar to humans. In terms of methodological studying of animals, Washburn rejected anecdotalism and also criticized the experimental method, because of its artificial environment (2002).
According to an essay published online by Webster University, in addition to being among the first women to break the gender barrier in the field of psychology, Mary Calkins' major contribution to psychology was the development of a system of self-psychology. Her work dealt primarily with such topics as space and time consciousness, emotion, association, color theory and dreams. Calkins' theory held that the conscious self is the central fact of psychology (Bumb).
According to an essay written by Larry Riddle and published on the Agnes Scott College website, Christine Ladd-Franklin was another female pioneer. Her theory of color vision has managed to stand the test of time by holding together important facts, and by relating psychology, physiology and photochemistry, along with an evolutionary conception of the development of the color sense in human beings (Riddle, 2008).
(2002, January 15). Major contributions. Retrieved May 21, 2008, f
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