The success of the natural sciences had a significant influence on the emergence of psychology, particularly because the scientific methods used by sciences such as biology and chemistry were regarded as the only reliable methods for discovering reliable knowledge about the world.
Wilhelm Wundt (1832-1920) the first person to call himself a psychologist, believed that all aspects of nature including the human mind could be studied scientifically. He paved the way for psychology to be accepted as a distinct science in its own right. Wundt studied only aspects of human behaviour that could be strictly controlled under experimental conditions. He studied reaction time and various aspects of sensation and perception. He wanted to study the structure of the mind and thought the best way to do this would be to break down behaviours such as sensation and perception into their basic elements. His approach was referred to as structuralism and the technique he used as introspection.
Wundt had previously thought all aspects of human experience could be investigated experimentally, he acknowledges that higher mental processes such as learning language and emotions could not be studied in this manner.
Wundt had previously thought all aspects of human experience could be investigated experimentally, he acknowledges that higher mental processes such as learning language and emotions could not be studied in this manner.
Introspection
From the Latin meaning looking into, is the process by which a person gains knowledge about his or her own mental and emotional states. Our perceptual ability allows us to observe and make sense of the outer world, our introspective ability enables us to observe our inner world.
Wundt claims that with sufficient training mental processes such as memory and perception could be observed systematically as they occurred through introspection. As an example people given stimuli and then asked questions, it is through the answers being given that general theories about perception or other mental processes will be established.
From the Latin meaning looking into, is the process by which a person gains knowledge about his or her own mental and emotional states. Our perceptual ability allows us to observe and make sense of the outer world, our introspective ability enables us to observe our inner world.
Wundt claims that with sufficient training mental processes such as memory and perception could be observed systematically as they occurred through introspection. As an example people given stimuli and then asked questions, it is through the answers being given that general theories about perception or other mental processes will be established.
The emergence of psychology as a science
Empiricism
The belief that knowledge is derived from sensory experience. It is generally characterised by the use of the scientific method in Psychology. Empiricists believe that knowledge comes from the observation and experience alone rather than being innate.
This new scientific approach to psychology was based on two assumptions:
Objective- researchers didn't let any preconceived ideas or biases influence the collection of their data.
Systematic- observations or experiments are carried out in an orderly way.
Replicable- observations can be repeated by other researchers to determine whether the same results will be obtained, if results are not replicable then they are not reliable and cannot be accepted as being universally true.
Empiricism
The belief that knowledge is derived from sensory experience. It is generally characterised by the use of the scientific method in Psychology. Empiricists believe that knowledge comes from the observation and experience alone rather than being innate.
This new scientific approach to psychology was based on two assumptions:
- All behaviour is seen as being caused, this is the assumption of determinism.
- If behaviour is determined then it should be possible to predict how human beings would behave in different conditions, this is the assumption of predictability.
Objective- researchers didn't let any preconceived ideas or biases influence the collection of their data.
Systematic- observations or experiments are carried out in an orderly way.
Replicable- observations can be repeated by other researchers to determine whether the same results will be obtained, if results are not replicable then they are not reliable and cannot be accepted as being universally true.
Evaluation
- Wundt's methods were unreliable, there was a strong reliance upon "non-observable" responses. His experiments were not reliably reproducible by other scientists.
- Introspection is not particularly accurate, most psychologists tend to accept Nisbett and Wilsons (1971) claim that we have very little knowledge of the causes and processes underlying our attitudes and behaviours, a claim which would challenge the value of introspective reports.
- Strengths of a scientific approach to psychology, knowledge acquired through using scientific method is more than just a passive acceptance of facts. Scientific methods rely on a belief in determinism, able to establish the causes of behaviour through the use of methods that are both empirical and replicable. If scientific theories no longer fit the facts they can be redefined or abandoned, meaning that scientific knowledge is self corrective. Because psychologists are always repeating each others experiments, it is hard for a theory that doesn't explain the facts to hang on very long.
- Limitations of a scientific approach to psychology, it could create contrived situations that tell us little about how people act in more natural environments. Much of the subject matter is unobservable and not all psychologists share the view that all human behaviour can be explored by use of scientific methods.
Key Terms
Empiricism- The belief that all knowledge is derived from sensory experience. It is generally characterised by the use of scientific method in psychology.
Introspection - The process by which a person gains knowledge about his or her own mental and emotional states as a result of the examination or observation of their conscious thoughts or feelings.
Scientific method- refers to the use of investigative methods that are objective, systematic and replicable, and the formulation, testing and modification of hypotheses based on these methods.
Empiricism- The belief that all knowledge is derived from sensory experience. It is generally characterised by the use of scientific method in psychology.
Introspection - The process by which a person gains knowledge about his or her own mental and emotional states as a result of the examination or observation of their conscious thoughts or feelings.
Scientific method- refers to the use of investigative methods that are objective, systematic and replicable, and the formulation, testing and modification of hypotheses based on these methods.
Resources and Activities
Can you explain Wundt's contribution to the development of psychology?
Outline one criticism of Wundt's contribution to psychology.
Explain what is meant by introspection.
Explain the emergence of psychology as a science.
In two teams discuss if your team thinks psychology should be a recognised science, discuss the reasoning behind your decision.
Can you explain Wundt's contribution to the development of psychology?
Outline one criticism of Wundt's contribution to psychology.
Explain what is meant by introspection.
Explain the emergence of psychology as a science.
In two teams discuss if your team thinks psychology should be a recognised science, discuss the reasoning behind your decision.