P2 Approaches 1. Origins of Psychology

Question 1

Who is Wilhelm Wundt?

Answer 1

Wilhelm Wundt was the first person to call himself a psychologist. He believed that all aspects of nature, including the human mind, could be studied scientifically.

Question 2

What is introspection?

Answer 2

Introspection is the process by which a person gains knowledge about his or her mental and emotional states. Our introspective ability enables us to observe our inner world.

Question 3

What is empiricism?

Answer 3

The belief that all knowledge is derived from sensory experience. It is generally characterised by the use of the scientific method

Question 4

What assumptions is psychology based on?

Answer 4

1. All behaviour is seen as being caused (determinism).
2. If behaviour is determined, then it should be possible to predict how humans would behave in different conditions

Question 5

What is a scientific method?

Answer 5

Refers to the use of investigative methods that are objective, systematic and replicable, and the formulation, testing and modification of hypotheses on these methods.

Question 6

What are criticisms of Wundts introspection?

Answer 6

• Unreliable ( based on non observable constructs, memory and perception )
• Lack of accuracy ( Nisbitt and Wilson found that participants in their experiment were unaware of factors that had influenced their choice of consumer )

Question 7

What is a strength of introspection?

Answer 7

It’s helpful in contemporary research ( Csikzentmihalyi and Hunter used introspection as a way of measuring happiness )

Question 8

What is a strength of the scientific approach?

Answer 8

It uses objective / systematic / replicable methods to fact check older theories.

Question 9

What is one limitation of the scientific approach?

Answer 9

It lacks ecological validity (it tells us little about how people act in unnatural situations.