Origins of Psychology Flashcards
Who was the very first recognised ‘psychologist’?
Wilhelm Wundt.
What did Wundt believe?
That all things (including the mind) could be studied scientifically.
What was Wundt’s preferred method of research?
Introspection.
Where did Wundt open the world fist experimental lab?
Germany.
What does introspection mean?
“Looking into”.
What is introspection?
The examination of ones thoughts.
What would Wilhelm Wundt do in order to carry out introspection?
He presented the subject with a stimulus and asked them to report their inner thoughts and feelings.
How did Wundt make sure his investigations were replicable?
He set out standardised instructions which were used each time.
When should introspection be done?
During the task rather than after it.
What are the positives of introspection?
+ Methods are easily replicated due to standardised instructions.
+ You still get some qualitative results.
What are the negatives of introspection?
- Social desirability means subjects may leave certain thoughts out and they are aware they are being studied.
- No-one has ever replicated two sets of the same results.
- One persons results will change throughout the day.
Define science:
A means of acquiring knowledge through systematic and objective investigation, with an aim to discover general laws.
Define psychology:
The scientific study of the human mind and its functions, especially those functions affecting behaviour in a given context.
