Origins Of Psychology

Question 1

Who was Wundt?

Answer 1

• First to call themselves a psychologist

- Studied aspects of behaviour that could be observed under controlled experimental conditions. E.g. reaction time

Question 2

What approach and technique did Wundt use?

Answer 2

• Structuralism

- Introspection

Question 3

What is introspection?

Answer 3

• Process where person gains info on emotional and mental state
• Done through observing conscious thoughts and feelings

Question 4

How is introspection carried out?

Answer 4

• Shown images and audio and asked to reflect how they perceive it
• Reports can be compared and general theories established

Question 5

What is empiricism?

Answer 5

• Knowledge comes from observation and experience

- Knowledge is not innate

Question 6

What is the scientific method?

Answer 6

• Objective, systematic and reliable

- Measurements are accurate

Question 7

P: Weakness of introspection- focuses on non-observable behaviour

Answer 7

E: Participants report on conscious experiences e.g. memory which are impossible to observe

L: Research lacks reliability as has not been reproduced

Question 8

P: Strength of scientific approach- reliance on objective and systematic methods

Answer 8

E: Relies on belief in determinism, so can establish cause if behaviour through replicable methods
If theories don’t fit, they can be adapted to take new evidence

L: Self corrective and new theories will emerge

Question 9

P: Scientific methods lacks ecological validity

Answer 9

E: Lab creates contrived situations

L: Some behaviours may be impossible to test scientifically so these methods may be inappropriate

Question 10

P: Introspection is used in contemporary research

Answer 10

E: Hunter used to measure happiness
Teenagers were more upbeat in challenging task

L: Introspection still relevant and is useful in measuring some behaviours