History of Cognitive Psychology

Question 1

What is the Introspective Technique?

Answer 1

• investigates mental processes by asking Ps to talk their way through solving a problem
• reporting moment-to-moment thoughts

Question 2

What is a negative aspect of the Introspective Technique?

Answer 2

• only sheds light on concious thoughts

Question 3

What led to rejections of introspection?

Answer 3

• the Behaviorist Revolution

Question 4

In the 1940s, what were some of the reasons for renewed interest in observing mental processes and thought?

Answer 4

• WWII- war effort needed to understand contruction and attention in order to be efficient under stress
• computer revolution and artificial intelligence
• linguistics

Question 5

Explain the modern approach of the scientific method.

Answer 5

• mental events/thought processes are like a black box
• we manipulate one aspect of stimulus input and ask Ps to respond to stimulus through a task
• measure the observable behavioral response and compare the response as a function of manipulation
• make educated guess about what happening in the black box