Origins of Psychology Flashcards
When did Wundt open the first psychology lab, and where?
1879 in Leipzig, Germany.
What was Wundt’s aim upon opening his lab?
To analyse the nature of human consciousness, and thus represented the first systematic attempt to study the mind under controlled conditions - this is introspection.
What was different about Wundt’s research compared to previous?
To standardise procedures. He recorded experiences of various stimuli (objects or sounds) and divided them into different categories: thoughts, images and sensations.
How did Wundt try and isolate the structure of consciousness?
This is called structuralism. The stimuli were always presented in the same order, with the same instructions issued.
What is the strength - scientific?
Wundt’s work was revolutionary - it was all carried out under controlled environments, and procedures were carefully standardised. This means that Wundt’s research can be considered a forerunner to later scientific approaches in psychology.
What is the limitation - subjective data?
Wundt relied on self-report methods. This is subjective, and participants may have hidden some of their thoughts. It is difficult to establish ‘laws of behaviour’ from this. This suggests that Wundt’s early methods were flawed and wouldn’t meet the criteria of scientific inquiry.
