Evaluation of the origins of psychology

• Wundt's work is significant because it marked the beginning of scientific psychology, separating it from its broader philosophical roots
• Wundt's methodology was very controlled so it could be replicated and compared (standardisation)
• Introspection is highly subjective as participants self-reported answers
• Despite Wundt's efforts to train individuals in the process of introspection, the process remained very subjective. There was very little agreement between individuals.
• Behaviourists criticised that Wundt's approach was based on non observable responses. Although participants reported on their conscious experiences, the processes of memory or perception were considered to be unobservable constructions
• The scientific approach to psychology relies on belief in determinism (establishing the causes of behaviour through the use of replicable methods)
• By focusing on controlling observations, contrived (artificial) situations are created that tell us little about how people act in more natural environments. (low mundane realism)