Approaches- Origins Of Psychology Flashcards
Science is :
discovering the physical and natural world SYSTEMATICALLY and OBJECTIVELY using EMPIRICAL METHODS such as observation and experimentation
Systematic
using a fixed or controlled method
Using a systematic approach gives researcher
confidence that they have measured what they planned to measure; their measurements are not jjsat the result of an error in conducting their research
Using a systematic approach allows
other scientist to attempt to replicate the findings using the same methods to check that the initial results are not due to chance
Objectivity
the absence of bias in research, which can significantly impact a study’s design, outcomes, and conclusions
Why is it crucial that research findings are objective ?
to avoid the researcher’s personal opinions, which can result in a confirmation bias where researchers merely attempt to support pre-existing beliefs
When research is not objective what may this result in?
confirmation bias
confirmation bias
where researchers merely attempt to support pre-existing beliefs
In psychology objectivity is especially crucial since psychologists …
study human behaviour, which is subjective and can be interpreted in various ways
additionally, rs.ers may hold strong opinions about topics such as rs, aggression and gender, which can influence their interpretations of data
Empiricism :
scientists must test their ideas and base their conclusions on data collected from the world, not just accept theory or logical arguments
Empiricism is a…
fundamental aspect of scientific methodology; scientific knowledge comes from formulating, testing and modifying hypotheses
In science when can a hypotheses be accepted
after systematic observation and taking careful measurements in well-designed experiments
Who was Wundt ?
‘the father of experimental psychology’
What did Wundt want?
Wundt wanted to use the controlled empirical scientific research techniques used by the physical sciences to study the mind
What did Wundt set up ?
the first psychological laboratory , the institute of experimental psychology, in leipzig germany in the 1870s
Who was the first person to call themself a psychologist and created the first books on psych ?
Wundt
What helped established psychology as an independent field of scientific research?
Wundt’s use of scientific methods
How were psychology professors bron?
Wundt trained students who would go on to be psychology professors
What was Wundt’s research called?
Structuralism
Structuralism
an attempt to uncover the hidden structure of the mind via describing it in terms o f its simplest definable components
Much of Wundt’s work focused on, what?
The structure of sensation and perception
What was the experimental methods used in Wundt’s research called?
Introspection
First process of introspection
Ps are trained to report conscious experiences as objectively as possible
Second process of introspection
Ps would be asked to focus on sensory object, often a ticking metronome
Third process of introspection
Ps would systematically report their experience of the object by breaking their thoughts into separate elements; Ps would focus inward and report sensations, feelings and images
Process of introspection
1- Ps are trained to report conscious experiences as objectively as possibly
2- Ps would be asked to focus on a sensory object, often a ticking metronome
3- Ps would systematically report their experience of the object by breaking their thoughts into separate elements; Ps would focus inward and report sensations, feelings and images
Introspective IS NOT
direct observation of mental processes; Wundt made inferences which means making a guess or an assumption on the structure of internal mental processes based on observed behaviour
With enough observations of people all behaving the same way in an experiment…
researchers can make inferences about the processes that may be driving their behaviour
Inferences is NOT
direct observation of mental processes; Wundt made inferences, which means making an assumption on the structure of internal mental processes based on observed behaviour
Evaluation
CRITICISM- who can you refer to?
wundt’s use of infer to identify internal mental states has been criticised;
inferences are assumptions, so they can be mistaken and inaccurate
Behaviourists psychologists rejected the study of internal mental states
Evaluation
Behaviourists psychologists view on Wundt
Behaviourists psychologists rejected the study of internal mental states; seeing the mind as a ‘black box’. they only studied fully observable stimulus-response mechanism because these behaviourist findings were more reliable and behaviorism is een as an approach more in like w/ scientific principles
Evaluation
Cognitive psychologists view
SUPPORT
Wundt’s use of inferences influenced Cognitive psychologists; these researchers ask Ps to complete task under experimental conditions, and the Ps’s ability to complete the task is used to make inferences about the structure of internal mental processes like memory, attention and perception
Evaluation
SUPPORT
Wundt’s work was highly scientific, primarily because of the controlled experiments,large sample size and transparent methods he used
-this systematic approach allowed him to develop general theories of mental process and enabled other researchers to replicate his findings
his emphasis on scientific methodology was a significant inspiration for subsequent scientific psychologists, including behaviourist
Evaluation
FIRST TO ARGUE
Wundt was one of first argue that behaviors are determined, so they have a cause that can be studied objectively
-Historical explanations of mental disorders and criminality often has a religious perspective, using ideas line sin or demonic influences
-following Wundt other RSers used scientifically deterministic arguments leading to effective biological treatments in mental health and forensic psychologist have developed interventions for criminal behaviour
Evaluation
+/-
Compared to modern psychological techniques, Wundt’s introspective methods are considered subject and are not classified as truly scientific
Ps cannot be relied on to accurately report their mental states. as self reports may be biased, mistaken , or influenced by demand characteristics, where provide results they think Rser wants
HOWEVER
Introspection remains relevant for studying unobservable mental processes such as emotional states and is also used in various forms of therapy
Define introspection
Introspection means “looking into” and refers to the process of observing and examining your own conscious thoughts or emotions.
