Wundt and the emergence of psych as a science

Question 1

Wundt’s role in the emergence of psychology as a science (AO1)

Answer 1

Opened the first ever lab dedicated to psychological enquiry in Leipzig, Germany in 1879
Introspection AO1
Published one of the first psychology books “Principles of Physiological Psychology” in 1873
Structualism - Attempt to understand the structure and characteristics of the mind
Used controlled methods e.g. all introspections recorded under strictly controlled conditions using same stimulus every time e.g. ticking metronome, same standardised instructions issued 9to every participant

Question 2

Introspection AO1

Answer 2

Systematic analysis of own conscious experience of a stimulus by breaking up conscious awareness into basic structures of thoughts, images and separation, requirements = Trained observers (Observers can immediately observe and report reactions) and repeatable stimuli (the subject can expect the reaction and be fully attentive to it), used introspection in controlled studies

Question 3

Wundt’s role in the emergence of psych as a science AO3

Answer 3

-Problems with introspection
Can’t objectively measure a person’s responses as they are unobservable responses
The processes e.g. memory perception are considered to be unobservable constructs
- Nisbett and Wilson (1977)
Found participants remarkably unaware of factors that influenced their choice of consumer item
Problem is particularly severe in the study of implicit attitudes
(Many aspects of our minds are outside of our conscious awareness)
Reduces validity of introspection

Question 4

What are the main features of introspection?

Answer 4

Focus on being objective
Reflections on sensations, feelings and images
Wundt would ask people to focus on everyday object and look inwards, noticing sensations, feelings and images
Breaking thoughts about an object down into separate elements
Systematic reporting of an experience of object