Fundamental trends of scientific activities in Psychological Institute during 80 years of its existence are outlined. Crucial points determining the character of scientific research are used as a basis for division into periods. Seven stages are marked out (formative, pre-revolutionary, post-revolutionary, etc.). Each of them is described in accordance to specificity of prevailing field of psychology (general psychology, psychophisiology, developmental psychology) and problems they included (memory, thinking, skills, etc.). Bibliography presents the most significant publications by Institute researchers.