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Questions and Answers
What was the primary aim of Wundt's experimental psychology lab opened in 1879?
Which term describes Wundt's approach of breaking conscious awareness into basic structures?
What method did Wundt pioneer in his research on the mind?
Why is Wundt considered a forerunner to later scientific approaches in psychology?
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What criticism did Watson have regarding the method of introspection?
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What did B.F. Skinner contribute to the field of psychology?
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Which of the following statements reflects a common criticism of a purely scientific approach to psychology?
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In the context of psychology, what aspect did behaviorists primarily focus on?
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Study Notes
Wundt's Introspection
- Wundt believed that the mind could be studied systematically by breaking down conscious awareness into basic structures like thoughts, images, and sensations.
- This process of isolating the structure of consciousness is called Structuralism.
- Wundt's research was the first systematic experimental attempt to study the mind.
Wundt's Research
- Opened the first experimental psychology lab in 1879 to study the nature of human consciousness.
- Pioneered the method of introspection, a technique to study the mind by breaking down conscious awareness.
- Used standardized instructions for participants, allowing for replication of procedures.
- Participants were asked to report their thoughts, images, and sensations while listening to a ticking metronome.
- Wundt's research was conducted in a controlled lab environment, making it a precursor to later scientific approaches in psychology.
Criticisms of Wundt's Research
- Relied on subjective self-reporting of private mental processes, which can be unreliable and prone to bias.
- Participants' thoughts were not always consistent, making it difficult to establish general principles.
Psychology as a Science
- Watson argued that introspection is subjective and unreliable.
- The behaviourist approach emphasizes the study of observable and measurable phenomena.
- Skinner brought the rigor of natural sciences to psychology.
- Behaviourists' focus on learning and lab studies dominated psychology for decades.
- Some argue that a scientific approach to human thought and experience is impossible or undesirable due to the complexities of the subject matter.
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Description
Explore the foundational concepts introduced by Wilhelm Wundt in the study of consciousness. This quiz covers Wundt's methods, the development of structuralism, and the significance of his research in experimental psychology. Test your knowledge on Wundt's techniques and the criticisms faced by his approach.
