Origins of Psychology

Question 1

Wilhelm Wundt

Answer 1

+The first psychology lab was created by Wundt in1879
+Aim was to document human thought (Consciously) as they happened= Introspection
+The overall aim was to try and break down thoughts into different parts.
= Structuralism
+Thoughts happening while looking at everyday objects like a metronome

Question 2

Is introspection reliable, Objective and falsifiable?

Answer 2

Reliable
+The confederates were trained and expected to get a certain result. So they could subconsciously try to achieve a certain result.
+So it is not reliable.

Objective
+The results can be questioned regardless of the results due to the chance of demand characteristics.
+So, it not objective.

Falsifiable
+It cannot be proved wrong as the participants could lie every time .
+There is no solid proof to oppose it.

Question 3

Evaluation of introspection- Strengths

Answer 3

+Although Introspection is seen as outdated, it had some long lasting effects.
+Standardised instructions were used to increase reliability and has been repeated in lab studies ever since.
+When looking into addiction, Griffiths used introspection to study fruit machine gamblers.

Question 4

Evaluation of introspection- Weaknesses

Answer 4

-Introspection relies on participants reports, so it is subjective.
- ∴ it is difficult to establish general principles.
-It also documents ‘private’ mental processes but many thought that psychology should focus on behaviour which could be observed and measured.