wundt and origins of psych Flashcards
(22 cards)
What is the scientific definition of ‘science’?
Science is the systematic and objective discovery of the physical and natural world using empirical methods such as observation and experimentation.
What does ‘systematic’ mean in the context of science?
It means using a fixed or controlled method; researchers follow a standardised plan to reduce errors and ensure findings are replicable.
Why is a systematic approach important in psychological research?
It increases confidence that what is being measured is accurate and allows replication by other scientists to confirm findings are not due to chance.
What is meant by ‘objectivity’ in scientific research?
Objectivity is the absence of bias in research; findings are not influenced by personal beliefs or expectations, avoiding confirmation bias.
Why is objectivity particularly important in psychology?
Because human behaviour is subjective and researchers may have strong views on topics like aggression or gender, which can bias interpretations.
What is empiricism in the scientific method?
Empiricism is the practice of basing conclusions on data gathered from systematic observation and experimentation, not just theory or logic.
Who is considered the father of experimental psychology?
Wilhelm Wundt.
What was Wundt’s major contribution to psychology?
He established psychology as a separate scientific discipline by applying controlled, empirical research methods.
Where and when did Wundt open the first psychology lab?
In Leipzig, Germany, in 1879
What was Wundt’s research approach called and what is it?
Structuralism – attempting to describe the structure of the mind in terms of its simplest components.
What technique did Wundt use in his experiments?
Introspection
what is introspection?
where participants reported their conscious experiences systematically.
How were participants trained in introspection?
They were trained to report their thoughts, sensations, and feelings as objectively as possible.
What was a common object used in introspection studies?
A ticking metronome.
Why is introspection not considered direct observation of mental processes?
Because it relies on inferences—assumptions made about internal processes based on behaviour, not direct measurement.
How did Wundt aim to ensure scientific validity in introspection?
He controlled experimental conditions and used systematic procedures.
What is one major criticism of Wundt’s structuralist approach?
It relied on non-observable responses; mental processes like perception and memory couldn’t be objectively measured.
Why did behaviourists criticise Wundt’s methods?
Because introspective results weren’t reliably reproducible, unlike the consistent findings of behaviourists like Pavlov
What does the scientific method offer psychology?
It provides objective, systematic, and empirical ways to establish causes of behaviour, enhancing reliability and replicability.
Why might scientific methods be unsuitable for studying human behaviour?
Because not all behaviour follows predictable laws, and many psychological phenomena are unobservable and subjective.
What did Nisbett and Wilson (1977) argue about introspection’s reliability?
That people have limited insight into their mental processes, especially implicit attitudes, making introspection unreliable.
How do implicit attitudes challenge introspective methods?
People may be unaware of their biases (e.g. racism), which influence behaviour without conscious knowledge, limiting the accuracy of self-reporting.
