Origins of Psychology Flashcards
Define introspection
The examination/observation of ones own mental and emotional processes.
What did René Descartes believe?
That the mind and body are separate from each other, therefore they can be studied individually. (Cartesian Dualism)
What did John Locke believe?
He was an empiricist so he thought that all experience can be obtained through the senses. (Behaviourist approach)
What did Charles Darwin believe?
The theory of evolution, involving natural selection. (biological approach)
What important event occurred in 1879?
The first experimental psychology lab was opened in Germany by Wilhelmina Wundt. They studied introspection here.
What did Sigman Freud believe?
The psychodynamic approach, meaning physical problems can be explained in terms of conflicts within the mind.
What did John B. Watson do?
He questioned introspection (in the 20th century) because it produced data which was subjective. this lead to a more scientific approach.
