Origins Of Psychology

Question 1

Psychology

Answer 1

Scientific study of human mind and it’s functions, especially those functions affecting behaviour in a given context

Question 2

Science

Answer 2

1. A means of acquiring knowledge through systematic and objective investigation
2. Aim is to discover general laws

Question 3

Introspection

Answer 3

First systematic experimental attempt to study the mind by breaking up conscious awareness into basic structures of thoughts, images and sensations

Question 4

Cartesian Dualism

Answer 4

Descartes (1596-1650)
French
“I think therefore I am”

1. Philosophical stance “ mind and body are independent from each other “
2. suggests mind can be an object of study

Question 5

Empiricism

Answer 5

Locke (1632-1704)

1. All experience can be obtained through the senses
2. Humans inherit neither knowledge nor instinct
3. Basis of behaviourist approach (external events observed and measured)

Question 6

Evolutionary Theory

Answer 6

Darwin (1809-1882)

1. Humans and animals behaviour has changed over generations
2. Survival of the fittest
   - individuals with strongest most adaptive genes survive and reproduce whilst weakest die out
3. Biological approach (evolution)

Question 7

Wundt

“Father of psychology “

Changed psychology from a philosophy to a science

Answer 7

1) First psychological enquiry lab- 1879
Leipzig, Germany

2. Introspection- him and his co workers recorded own conscious thoughts
   Document and describe the nature of human consciousness

3. Approach : structuralism 
Isolating structure of consciousness 
-Sensations 
-Images 
-Affections

Question 8

Introspection controlled methods

Answer 8

1. They used scientific methods and techniques
2. Introspection was recorded under strict controlled condition and the same stimulus (ticking metronome)
3. Standardised instructions - procedure can be repeated and replicated

Question 9

Criticisms of Introspection

Answer 9

Watson (behaviourist)-1913

• data was subjective and varied greatly from person to person
• it was hard to establish general principles
• introspection focuses on private mental processes which cannot be observed or measure (not truly scientific)

Question 10

Scientific approach

Answer 10

1. Watson (1913) skinner (1953)
   - Behaviourist focused on the scientific processes involved in learning
   - Carefully controlled lab experiments
   - Modern day: psychologist rely on the experimental method for their research and practices
2. Cognitive revolution (1960s)
   Mental processes can now be seen as a legitimate and highly scientific area within psychology
   -Lab tests
3. Biological approach
   Experimental data
   Physiological processes
   Brain scanning techniques fMRI