Wundt+ Introspection

Cards (7)

  • Wundt was the first Psychologist
    • He wrote the first textbook
    • He opened the first experimental psychology laboratory
    • He taught the first psychology students
    • ’Father of Psychology
    • Developed introspection
  • Introspection: the examination or observation of one's own mental and emotional processes
  • Introspection:
    • Looking within
    • Breaking down larger thoughts into smaller thoughts, images and sensations
    • breaks up conscious awareness into basic structures
  • Introspection Experiment:
    • highly trained assistants trained by wound were given a common stimulus
    • then they were told to ‘look within’
    • (standardised instructions makes sure conditions are kept the same throughout the experiment)
    • they were encouraged to break their perception down into its most basic elements
  • Strength (introspection):
    • Conducted in a controlled environment with standardised instructions (all results can be compared)
    • does not require the use of specialist equipment
  • Weaknesses (introspection):
    • Relies on subjective interpretation
    • not suitable for all participants (children)
    • only investigates conscious thought
    • not empirical