The Origins of Psychology

• (AO1) Define psychology

  The scientific study of the brain and behaviour
• (AO1) Define science

  Discovering the physical and natural world systematically and objectively using empirical methods such as observation and experimentation.
• (AO1) (The emergence of psychology as a science) Give some facts about Wilhelm Wundt

  Generally considered "The father of experimental psychology"

  
  

  Wrote the first textbook on psychology "The Principles of Physiological Psychology"

  
  

  In 1875, at Leipzig University, he set up the first laboratory dedicated to experimental psychology (IV and DV).

  
  

  In doing so, he separated psychology from philosophy and biology, and become the first person to be called a psychologist.
• (AO1) (The emergence of psychology as a science) Give some facts about introspection

  • Wundt used introspection in his work.
  • Introspection = where ppts report all of their own feelings, emotions and sensations.
  • They did so after performing simple tasks such as problem solving.
  • Wundt would also ask ppl to focus on everyday objects / or / listen to a metronome and look inwards.
  • Used systematic reporting of an experience, involving a standardised procedure, ensuring all ppts had the same experience.
  • However, introspection has been criticised for being unreliable and subjective, at the time it was attempting to be objective (free from bias)
• (AO3) Give a strength of emergence of psychology as a science (Wundt)

  Point: For his time, Wundt work was highly scientific.

  
  

  Evidence: Primarily because of he used controlled experiments, large sample sizes, and transparent methods. His systematic approach allowed him to develop general theories of mental processes and enabled other researchers to replicate his findings.

  
  

  Evaluate: His emphasis on scientific methodology significantly influenced subsequent psychologists, including behaviourists, & laid foundation for psychology to be considered a scientific discipline.
• (AO3) Give a limitation of psychology as a science (introspection)

  Point: Despite being influential, introspection has limitations in modern psychology.

  
  

  Evidence: Although Wundt attempted to make introspection more objective, it relied on self-report, which is not internally reliable due to personal biases & subjective interpretations.

  
  

  Evaluate: As experimental psychology has advanced, more objective methods, such as controlled experiments, have been developed, making introspection less relevant in the contemporary scientific study of psychology.
• (AO3) Give a strength of Wundt - THE PROF

  Point: Wundt's work was instrumental in establishing psychology as a science.

  
  

  Evidence: He emphasised theory construction, hypothesis testing and empirical methods, which laid the foundations for psychology to adopt scientific principles. His focus on objectivity and falsifiability ensured that psychological research could be replicable and more rigorously tested, aligning with the scientific method.

  
  

  Evaluate (continue): His approach influenced the development of psychological paradigms and paradigm shifts, fostering a more scientific approach in psychology, which continues to shape contemporary research practices.
• Look at the timeline of psychology

  The timeline: