Introspection

Who was Wundt?

A German psychologist, founding father of psychology (introspection), opened first lab dedicated to psychology in Germany in 1879.

A problem with introspection

Behaviourists criticise introspection, it's not possible to directly observe someone's thoughts & feelings, it's unscientific & subjective.

A investigative method used in science

Controlled - should be under controlled conditions.

Introspection

Examination/observation of ones own mental & emotional processes.

A problem with introspection

Lack of reliability e.g. p's don't have same thoughts every time. Wundt couldn't establish general theory's.

A investigative method used in science

Objective - recorded without bias & not influenced by any other factor or people.

A investigative method used in science

Predictable - results should be used to predict future behaviour.

A investigative method used in science

Replicable - should be able to be replicated exactly.

Psychology

The scientific study of the mind and its functions, especially those fuctions affecting behaviour.

What did Wundt do?

Used the method of introspection to uncover what he & co-workers were thinking. He relied on his p's self-report as there were no computers or brain scans in the 1800's. Aim was to break conscious thoughts down into their basic elements - this is structuralism. All introspections recorded under strict controlled conditions. Same standardised instructions issued to all p's, could be repeated. His work highlighted the difference between scientific psychology from its early philosophical roots.

Approaches

Ways of explaining & investigating all human behaviour/minds.

Types of Approaches

• Behaviourist approach • Social learning theory • Biological approach • Cognitive approach