5.1 The origins of Psychology Flashcards
define empiricism
the belief that all knowledge is derived from sensory experience.
it is generally characterised by the use of of the scientific method in psychology
define introspection
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
define scientific method
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
What did James believe? (1842 - 1910)
He disagreed with Wundt.
Thought basic parts were irrelevant.
What approaches did James use? (1842 - 1910)
Functionalism.
What was the theory behind functionalism?
What really mattered was the function of thoughts and behaviours.
What did Wundt believe? (1832 - 1920)
The human mind can be explained by science.
What approaches did Wundt use? (1832 - 1920)
Structuralism.
Introspection.
What did Wundt believe introspection would do?
Uncover our minds inner workings.
Define ‘empiricism.’
The belief that all knowledge should be gained via sensory experience.
list the steps in the scientific cycle, can be given in any order
objective, systematic and replicable observation
building, refining or falsifying
development of a scientific theory
testing
Define ‘determinism.’
The idea that all events and behaviours have causes.
what does it mean for something to be objective
Without bias or preconceived ideas.
Define ‘mental processes.’
Things people can do / experience with their minds.
Define ‘systematically’
With a clear system and ordered method.
Define ‘theories.’
proposed and testable conditions.
Define ‘knowledge’
facts / information, gained through experience or education
Define ‘perception’
The process of extracting meaning from what we see, hear touch etc.
Define replicable
are able to be repeated exactly by other researchers to determine whether the same results can be obtained.
define determinism.
Behaviour is determined by external or internal factors acting upon the individual.
summarise Wilhelm Wundt’s contributions to the origins of psychology
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
summarise the emergence of psychology as a science
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
evaluate the origins of psychology
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
