5.1 The origins of Psychology

Question 1

define empiricism

Answer 1

the belief that all knowledge is derived from sensory experience.
it is generally characterised by the use of of the scientific method in psychology

Question 2

define introspection

Answer 2

the process by which a person gains knowledge about his or her own mental and emotional states as a result of the examination or observation of their conscious thoughts and feelings

Question 3

define scientific method

Answer 3

refers to the use of investigative methods that are objective, systematic and replicable, and the formulation, testing and modification of hypothesis based on these methods

Question 4

What did James believe? (1842 - 1910)

Answer 4

He disagreed with Wundt.

Thought basic parts were irrelevant.

Question 5

What approaches did James use? (1842 - 1910)

Answer 5

Functionalism.

Question 6

What was the theory behind functionalism?

Answer 6

What really mattered was the function of thoughts and behaviours.

Question 7

What did Wundt believe? (1832 - 1920)

Answer 7

The human mind can be explained by science.

Question 8

What approaches did Wundt use? (1832 - 1920)

Answer 8

Structuralism.

Introspection.

Question 9

What did Wundt believe introspection would do?

Answer 9

Uncover our minds inner workings.

Question 10

Define ‘empiricism.’

Answer 10

The belief that all knowledge should be gained via sensory experience.

Question 11

list the steps in the scientific cycle, can be given in any order

Answer 11

objective, systematic and replicable observation
building, refining or falsifying
development of a scientific theory
testing

Question 12

Define ‘determinism.’

Answer 12

The idea that all events and behaviours have causes.

Question 13

what does it mean for something to be objective

Answer 13

Without bias or preconceived ideas.

Question 14

Define ‘mental processes.’

Answer 14

Things people can do / experience with their minds.

Question 15

Define ‘systematically’

Answer 15

With a clear system and ordered method.

Question 16

Define ‘theories.’

Answer 16

proposed and testable conditions.

Question 17

Define ‘knowledge’

Answer 17

facts / information, gained through experience or education

Question 18

Define ‘perception’

Answer 18

The process of extracting meaning from what we see, hear touch etc.

Question 19

Define replicable

Answer 19

are able to be repeated exactly by other researchers to determine whether the same results can be obtained.

Question 20

define determinism.

Answer 20

Behaviour is determined by external or internal factors acting upon the individual.

Question 21

summarise Wilhelm Wundt’s contributions to the origins of psychology

Answer 21

established experimental psychology as a science
involves breaking down behaviours into basic elements
introspection was the chosen method of study
worked by asking individuals to engage in a task and then reflect the mental processes they were performing
used to establish general theories about mental processes

Question 22

summarise the emergence of psychology as a science

Answer 22

scientific psychology used empirical methods
assumptions of determinism and predictability
the scientific method refers to the use of methods that are objective, systematic and replicable
replication means results might be accepted as true
scientific method also includes development of theorise that can explain results and constant testing and refining

Question 23

evaluate the origins of psychology

Answer 23

Wundt’s methods were unreliable (relied on ‘non-observable’ responses)
scientific approach tests assumptions about behaviour by establishing causality and correlating theories
not all psychologists believe human behaviour can be explored using scientific methods - much is unobservable and relies on inferences from data
introspection is not particularly accurate (e.g. Nisbett and Wilson) however introspection is still useful in psychology