The Origins Of Psychology

Question 1

What role did Willhelm Wundt play in the development of psychology?

Answer 1

Founded the first psychological lab in 1870’s Germany.

Question 2

What is introspection?

Answer 2

Analysing your own thoughts and feelings internally.

Question 3

What is reductionism?

Answer 3

The idea that things can be reduced to simple cause-and-effect processes.

Question 4

Describe 5 features of a science

Answer 4

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.

Question 5

List 2 problems with introspection

Answer 5

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.

Question 6

When did Wundt open the first psychological lab?

Answer 6

1879

Question 7

Where did Wundt open the first psychological lab?

Answer 7

Germany

Question 8

Give a timeline for the development of psychology

Answer 8

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

Question 9

What did Wundt use introspection to study?

Answer 9

Sensation and perception