origins of psychology Flashcards
What introspection
Introspection is a systematic analysis of our own conscious experience of a stimulus
What structuralism
Studying the structure of the mind by breaking down behaviours such as perception and sensation into their basic elements
Evaluation of introspection(strengths)
Controlled methods – all the introspections were recorded under strictly controlled conditions using the same stimulus every time.
The same standardised instructions were issued to participants to make it as objective as possible.
Evaluation of introspection(strengths)
controlled methods allowed procedures to be repeated (replicated) every single time.
Evaluation of introspection (weaknesses)
We have very little knowledge of the causes and processes underlying our behaviour and attitudes.
Evaluation of introspection
Data was subjective in that it varied from person to person, so it was difficult to establish general principles.
Introspective results were not reliably reproducible by other researchers in other laboratories.
What is empiricism
It’s the belief that all knowledge is derived from sensory experience i.e observation and experience alone(it’s not innate)
2 assumptions of the scientific approach
All behaviour is caused (determined)
If behaviour is determined, then it should be possible to predict how human beings would behave in different conditions
Evaluation of psychology (strength)
The reliance on objective and systematic methods of observations means that knowledge acquired using the scientific method is more than just the passive acceptance of facts.
Evaluation of psychology (strength)
Because scientific methods rely on a belief in determinism, cause and effect can be established using methods that are empirical and replicable.
Evaluation of psychology (strength)
If scientific theories no longer fit the facts, they can be refined or abandoned meaning that scientific knowledge is self-corrective.
Evaluation of psychology (weakness)
The reliance on objectivity and control can create contrived situations that tell us little about how people act in more natural environments.
Evaluation of psychology (weakness)
Not all psychologists share the view that all human behaviour can be explored by the use of scientific methods (e.g. humanists). If human behaviour is not subject to the laws implied by scientific methods, then predictions become impossible and these methods are inappropriate.
