Final answer:
Kurt Lewin's approach to psychology was distinguished by his emphasis on social factors and group dynamics, contrasting with the individualistic and inner experience focus of most psychologists in the late 1930s. He is credited as the founder of social psychology and introduced key concepts that have deeply influenced organizational psychology.
Step-by-step explanation:
Kurt Lewin's approach to psychology differed significantly from that of most other psychologists in the late 1930s due to his focus on group dynamics and applied research. While traditional psychologists of the era, including those with structuralist, Freudian, and behaviorist orientations, concentrated on inner experiences, individual behavior, or the unconscious mind, Lewin was pioneering in the study of interactive group processes and their effects on individuals.
Lewin conducted seminal research on leadership styles and team structure, which led to many practical applications in organizational psychology. He is widely recognized for having founded social psychology, a field concerned with social interactions and their psychological effects. Lewin was also credited with coining the term group dynamics, and his experimental work with children provided critical insights into the impact of different leadership styles on aggression, group dynamics, and satisfaction. This was in direct contrast to the individualistic approaches permeating the field at the time, and it has had long-lasting influences on both psychology and organizational behavior.
Moreover, while Gestalt psychology and other contemporary theories were also focusing on perception and wholeness, Lewin's work translated these concepts into the social realm, emphasizing the importance of considering the group as more than just the sum of its parts.