The Origins Of Psychology - Wundt Flashcards
Who introduced the scientific approach?
Wilhelm Wundt
How did Wundt turn psychology into a science
He used an experimental method as a key Approach to study humans.
He also broke down psychological processes into their basic elements to learn the human minds structure.
When and where did psychology begin
1879
With the first lab dedicated to psychology founded in Leipzig, Germany by Wundt
What did Wundt invent when he was learning the structure of the human mind.
Introspection
What does introspection investigate
We investigate our inner world by assessing our own mental and emotional state
How are people trained to do introspection
They analyze their different processes
For example how memory could be observed as they occurred
WUNDT: What do participants do after being exposed to different stimuli
Participants report on what they’re thinking/feeling when exposed to different stimuli
Key aspects of Introspection
-Focus on being objective
-Reflection on sensations,feelings and images
-Wundt would ask people to focus on an everyday object and look inwards, noticing thoughts
-systematic reporting of an experience of an object
-it’s thinking about your thoughts
Strengths of Wundts Methods
-These are self corrective ideas as theories can be adapted should they be found incorrect
-One of the earliest methods used which has formed the foundation for current therapies including cognitive behavioral therapy
Limitations of Wundt’s Methods
-These methods are not reliable. It is difficult to report on behavior that cannot be seen as researchers are reliant on the participants report of what they think
-Introspection is not particularly accurate as there could be other factors involved in their thoughts processing
- not everything is observable so cannot explain every behavior including our views of morals and justice
