Origins

Question 1

Science

Answer 1

A means of acquiring knowledge through systematic and objective investigation

In psychology the aim is to discover general laws that relate to the causes of behaviour that can be generalised into wider groups

Question 2

Scientific method

Answer 2

Refers to the use of investigative methods that are objective, systematic and replicable, and the formulation, testing and modification of hypotheses based on these methods

Question 3

Psychology

Answer 3

The scientific study of the human mind and its functions and how its affecting behaviour in a given context

Question 4

Empiricism

Answer 4

The belief that all knowledge is derived and based on sensory experience. Scientists must treat their ideas and base their conclusions on data collected from the world. Generally characterised by the use of scientific method in psychology

Question 5

Introspection

Answer 5

The process by which a person gains knowledge about their own mental and emotional state by focusing inwards and examining or observing their conscious thoughts or feelings.
Participants record their own sensations, feelings and images.

Question 6

Who was Wilhelm Wundt

Answer 6

• Established the first psychology laboratory
• Regarded as the founder of psychology
• Sought to establish psychology as a discipline in its own right away from philosophy, biology and physiology.
  Used introspection in his work

Question 7

Cartesian dualism

Answer 7

Concept established by Rene Descartes, stating that the body and the mind are separate entities, the brain is not the same as the mind.
One of the early influences of psychology

Question 8

Greek origins of ‘psychology’

Answer 8

Psyche - mind
Logos - the study of

Question 9

Early influences of psychology

Answer 9

Rene Descartes - concept of Cartesian dualism
John Locke - concept of empiricism
Charles Darwin - believed to have carried out first documented scientific observations on his baby son
Wilhelm Wundt - considered the founding father of psychology

Question 10

What are the limitations of Wundt’s work on introspection

Answer 10

• Wundt claimed that trained introspectionists would produce reliable results which could be replicability - however this was too subjective
• Wundt influenced the next generation of psychologists through the development of structuralism- however this was still too subjective
• Wundt’s experiments were usually on an individual and he would only test a couple more too compare - This meant there was a low population validity

Question 11

Structuralism

Answer 11

Studying the structure of the human mind by breaking down behaviours into their basic elements

Question 12

Systematic

Answer 12

Methodical. Carried out using a planned, ordered procedure.
Increases validity and reliability.

Question 13

Objective data

Answer 13

Unbiased. Not influenced by personal feelings, opinions or the expectations of the researcher. This is data that has been gathered through the systematic observation and measurement of directly observable behaviour in controlled conditions.

Question 14

Subjective data

Answer 14

Biased. Influenced by personal feelings or opinions. In psychology this is data that has been gathered through self-report and includes people’s attitudes or beliefs that cannot be directly observed.

Question 15

Self-report

Answer 15

A method of gathering data where participants provide information about themselves without interference from the experimenter.
Eg: questionnaires and interviews

Question 16

General laws

Answer 16

Theories about human behaviour that can be generalised to everyone.

Question 17

Introspection

Answer 17

A systematic experimental attempt to study one’s own mental and emotional processes by breaking up conscious awareness into basic structures of thoughts, images and sensations.

Question 18

Standardised procedures

Answer 18

This refers to all participants in an experiment being treated in exactly the same way. This includes ensuring that stimuli are presented in the same order for participants and that they are tested in the same way. They should also be given the same instructions about what to do.

Question 19

Structuralism

Answer 19

An approach developed by Wundt, which emphasises the importance for analysing the mind in simple definable components and then finding a way in which they fit together to form more complex experiences.

Question 20

Objectivity

Answer 20

The absence of bias in research, which can significantly impact a study’s design, outcomes and conclusions.
It is important to avoid researchers bias

Question 21

What are the strengths of Wundt’s work?

Answer 21

• For his time, it was highly scientific. He had a systematic approach and used controlled experiments, large sample sizes and transparent methods.
  His work inspired other psychologists.
• Introspection remains relevant for studying unobservable mental processes, eg: emotions, and is used in various forms of therapy.

Question 22

What are the weaknesses of Wundt’s work?

Answer 22

Compared to modern techniques, his introspective methods are considered subjective and not truly subjective. Participants can’t be relied of to accurately report their mental states and would be prone to bias, mistakes or demand characteristics.