Who are the main figures associated with the Gestalt approach?

The Gestalt approach in psychology emphasizes understanding the human experience as a whole rather than breaking it down into parts. This perspective originated in Germany in the early 20th century and is primarily associated with three key figures: Max Wertheimer, Wolfgang Köhler, and Kurt Koffka.

Max Wertheimer is regarded as the founder of Gestalt psychology, and he introduced important concepts related to perception and the holistic nature of psychological phenomena. Wolfgang Köhler contributed through his studies on problem-solving in apes, which highlighted insight and the importance of viewing problems in their entirety. Kurt Koffka helped to further popularize Gestalt ideas in the United States and wrote extensively about perception, learning, and development.

Understanding these central figures is crucial as their combined work established the fundamental principles of Gestalt psychology, focusing on how individuals perceive and organize stimuli in their environment. Their legacy continues to influence modern psychology, particularly in areas such as perception, cognitive psychology, and therapy.