Origins of psychology Flashcards
Define psychology
The scientific study of the human mind and its function.
Define Cartesian Dualism
The mind and the body are independent from each other.
Who believed in Cartesian Dualism
Renee Descartes
How did Cartesian Dualism form the philosophical basis of psychology
It suggested that the mind could be a subject of study in its own right.
What is empiricism
All experiences are gained through senses
Whose belief of empiricism formed the basis for the behaviourist approach
John Locke
Which approach did Charles Darwin’s theory of evolution form the basis of
The biological approach
Who is known as the founder of psychology
Wilhelm Wundt
When and where did Wundt open the first experimental lab for psychology
Leipzig, Germany in 1879
Define introspection
The first systematic experimental attempt to study the mind breaking down conscious awareness into basic structures : thoughts, images and sensations
State on criticism of introspection
The data produced was too subjective
Who criticised introspection
John Watson
What did Watson say psychology should focus on in order to be truly scientific
Observable and measurable behaviour
Describe how John Watson’s criticism of introspection led to psychology becoming more scientific
- behaviourists made use of controlled lab experiments to study phenomena which produced objective data
- cognitive psychologists made use of inference in order to scientifically study mental processes
- biological psychologists utilised the advances in technology, such as the development of brain scanning techniques which allowed live brain activity to be investigated
