Wilhelm Wundt Flashcards
Who is Wilhelm Wundt, and what is his significance in psychology?
Wundt is considered the “Father of experimental psychology” for founding the first experimental psychology lab in 1879 at the University of Leipzig.
What methods did Wundt use in his research?
Wundt used psychophysical methods, reaction time measurements, memory task accuracy, and introspection.
What is introspection, and why was it important for Wundt?
Introspection is the process where trained participants describe their experiences and thoughts. Wundt believed it was crucial for studying certain psychological constructs.
What are the issues with introspection according to Wundt’s research?
Introspection was unreliable, and results often differed across laboratories, making it difficult to uncover the structure of thought.
What is the historical method Wundt employed?
The historical method involves studying the products of human culture (e.g., social behavior, development) and is considered a precursor to cultural psychology.