Origins of Pyschology Flashcards
Who was Wilhelm Wundt?
In 1873 Wundt published the first book on psychology ,his approach was structuralism
In 1879 Wilhelm Wundt began the first psychological laboratory in Leipzig, Germany.
What is Structuralism?
The study of the elements of consciousness. The idea is that conscious experience can be broken down into basic conscious elements
What were Wundt’s two major assumption?
- All behaviour is seen as being caused
- If behaviour is determined it should be possible to predict behaviour
This is known as the ‘Scientific Method’
What is the ‘Scientific Method’?
Step 1: Ask a question
Step 3: Conduct an experiment
Step 2: State a hypothesis
Step 4: Analyse the results
Step 5: Make a conclusion
What is Empiricism ?
Founded by John Locke, states that the only source of knowledge comes through our senses – e.g. sight, hearing etc. and is not inherited.
What is Introspection?
Structuralism fundamentally relies on introspection.
Wundt argued that conscious mental states could be scientifically studied using introspection.
Introspection was like a High-self examination of thoughts and feelings
How did Wundt use Introspection?
Highly trained assistants would be given a stimulus such as a ticking metronome and would reflect on the experience. They would report what the stimulus made them think
What were the limitations of introspection?
Psychologists (e.g. Skinner) argue that introspection was not really scientific even if the methods used to introspect were. Skinner claims the results of introspection are subjective and cannot be verified because only observable behavior can be objectively measured.
Define Objectivity
Unbiased factual information
Define Subjectivity
Based on opinions
Define Replicability
Ability to replicate results and achieve similar results
Empirical Methods
A phenomenon that can be measured and observed
How did Wundt contribute to the emergence of psychology as a science?
One way Wundt contributed to the development of psychology was to do his research in carefully controlled conditions, i.e. experimental methods. This encouraged other researchers such as the behaviorists to follow the same experimental approach and be more scientific.
