The Origins Of Psychology Flashcards
What role did Willhelm Wundt play in the development of psychology?
Founded the first psychological lab in 1870’s Germany.
What is introspection?
Analysing your own thoughts and feelings internally.
What is reductionism?
The idea that things can be reduced to simple cause-and-effect processes.
Describe 5 features of a science
Objectivity - Scientific observations should be recorded without bias and not influenced by any other factors, or people
Control - Scientific observations should take place under controlled conditions.
Predictability - Scientists should be able to use the results and knowledge gained from experiments to predict future behaviour.
Hypothesis testing - Theories generate predictions (hypotheses) which can be tested to either strengthen the support for the theory, or else disprove it.
List 2 problems with introspection
It doesn’t explain how the mind works. It relies on people describing their thoughts and feelings, which usually isn’t objective.
It doesn’t provide data that can be used reliably. Because people are reporting on their own experiences, their accounts can’t be confirmed.
When did Wundt open the first psychological lab?
1879
Where did Wundt open the first psychological lab?
Germany
Give a timeline for the development of psychology
Trepanning
(6500BC)
Humorism
(400BC)
Experimental
Philosophy
17th-19th Cen.
1879 Wilhelm
Wundt Ist psychology
lab in Leipzig
1900 Sigmund
Freud
1913 BF Skinner.
1950 Maslow and
Rogers.
1960 The invention of the computer
Brain scans and neuroscience
What did Wundt use introspection to study?
Sensation and perception