The Origins Of Psychology Flashcards
1
Q
Who was the first person to call themselves a Psychologist?
A
Wilheim Wundt
2
Q
What did Wundt do?
A
Separated psychology from philosophy.
3
Q
Define Introspection
A
Process by which a person gains knowledge about his or her own mental state.
4
Q
What did Wundt use introspection for?
A
- he completed studies of perception
- involved participants being presented with a stimuli and asked to describe the inner processes they were experiencing in response
- thought that with training people could observe their own thoughts/mental processes
5
Q
Strengths of Wundt
A
- his use of scientific processes was revolutionary
6
Q
Weaknesses of Wundt
A
- his methods are unreliable (relied on unobservable processes)
- introspection is not accurate (Nisbett and Wilson 1977 = very little knowledge of causes of behaviours and attitudes)
- participants can’t react naturally due to strict and controlled environments
7
Q
Define Empiricism
A
Belief that all knowledge is derived from sensory experience.
8
Q
Define Scientific Method
A
Using investigative methods that are objective, systematic and replicable and the formation, testing and modification of hypotheses based on these methods.
