Approaches 01 Origins & Wundt

Question 1

What are the features of science? (6)

Answer 1

• Theoretical
• Empirical
• Experimental
• Replicable
• Generalisable
• Objective

Question 2

Which two Stimuli did Wundt test the difference between?

Answer 2

Auditory and Visual

Question 3

Which stimuli took longer to respond to that Wundt tested?

Answer 3

Visual

Question 4

How long was the average reaction time?

Answer 4

1/8th of a second

Question 5

How did Wundt explain the average reaction time?

Answer 5

They have to switch attention/anticipate

Question 6

Describe the second experiment Wundt conducted

Answer 6

• Participants heard a series of sounds
• They were asked to report and introspect on their:
  - Sensations (what they heard)
  - Feelings (emotions)

Question 7

what is introspection?

Answer 7

the process of observing and examining your own conscious thoughts or emotions

Question 8

What was the aim of Wundt’s research?

Answer 8

To break experience down into components e.g. feelings and sensations and feelings

Question 9

What are the three dimensions of feelings

Answer 9

• Pleasure/ displeasure
• Tension / relaxation
• Excitement / depression

Question 10

Why was Wundt considered important?

Answer 10

First psychologist to test theories and established psychology as a science

Question 11

What was the behaviourist’s response to Wundt?

Answer 11

• Internal mental processes aren’t observable or measurable
• Science can only refer to as what can be empirically measured
• To be scientific, Psychology must only refer to behaviour

Question 12

What was the cognitive psychologists’ response to Wundt?

Answer 12

• Science can only directly study behaviour
• Science can make inferences about internal mental processes but NOT on the basis of introspection or self reports
• Only on the basis of behaviour in experiments