Lesson 1 - Origins of Psychology

Question 1

Wilhelm Wundt

Answer 1

• ‘Father of Psychology’
• Moved psychology away from philosophical roots to controlled research
• Set up first psych lab in Leipzig in 1879

Question 2

Emergence of Psychology as Science

-Introspection method

Answer 2

• Scientific method to study mental processes devised by Wundt
-introspection

• Systematic & experimental analysis of one’s own conscious experience of a stimulus
• Wundt used metronome

• Breaking down experiences to components
-sensations, feelings, images

• Focus on being objective

Question 3

Introspection application

Answer 3

• Used in highly controlled studies
• Use of controlled environments enabled Wundt to establish general theories about mental processes

• Paved way for later controlled research and study of mental processes
-Eg cognitive psychologists

Question 4

Emergence of Psychology as a Science Evaluation

Answer 4

• (+) Wundt was first psychologist to focus on understanding psychological process of perception

-rather than philosophical or biological processes

• (+) Scientific approach sharing qualities with chem, bio, physics

• hypotheses made
• high control of variables
• studied in lab setting

Question 5

Introspection Evaluation

Answer 5

• (+) Help develop other psychological approaches
-forerunner to cognitive approach by Beck

• (+) Still used in modern scientific psychological research

• Cognitive therapy
• alter negative thinking to turn them into positive thoughts

-Demonstrates value in modern society

• (-) Studies may not be valid

• psychologists argue several aspects of mind are outside conscious awareness
• Eg Nisbet & Wilson(1997)