Origins of Psychology -A-Level Psychology
Empiricism– the belief that all knowledge is derived from sensory experience it is characterised by the use of scientific method
Introspection– the process by which a person gains knowledge about their own mental and emotional states as a result of the examination of their conscious thoughts and feelings.
Scientific method– refers to the use of investigative methods that are objective ,systematic and replicable as well as the formulation of testing and modification of hypotheses based off these methods
Wilhelm Wundt(1832-1920):
– believed that all aspects of nature including the human mind could be studied scientifically
– he studied only those aspects of behaviour that could be strictly controlled under experimental conditions e.g reaction time
– his aim was to study the structure of the human mind
– he used introspection
– eventually realised that higher mental processes such as learning ,language and emotions could not be studied in a controlled manner
Introspection:
– introspective ability enables the observation of our inner world
– Wundt suggested that with training mental processes such as memory and perception could be observed systemically as they occurred using introspection e.g observing an object and being asked to reflect on how they perceive it
-In Wundt’s participants were given a carefully controlled stimuli e.g visual images or auditory tones) and then were asked to provide a description of their inner processes .This made it possible to compare the results in response to the same stimuli and so establish theories on perception
The emergence of psychology as a science:
– empiricists believe that knowledge comes from observation and experience alone.
– behaviour is seen as being caused( the assumption of determinism)
-if behaviour is determined than it is possible to predict how human beings will behave in different conditions( the assumption of predictability)
– the technique used to explore these assumptions became known as scientific method
The scientific method in psychology:
– the use of investigative methods that are objective systematic and replicable
– it is objective as researchers do not let biases influence data collection
– it is systematic as observations or experiments are carried out in an orderly way
– recording of data is carried out accurately and and other factors that influence results are considered
– it is replicable as observations can be repeated by other researchers to see if the same results are obtained,improving the reliability of the results
-The development of scientific theories and the constant testing and refining of these theories to further observations completes the scientific cycle
Evaluation:
Wundt’s methods were unreliable- Behaviourists criticised that his approach was based on non observable responses.Although participants reported on their conscious experiences, the processes of memory or perception were considered to be unobservable constructions.There was a lack of reliability in his methods and his experimental methods were not easily reproducible
Strength of the scientific approach to psychology- as it relies on belief in determinism they are able to establish the causes of behaviour through the use of replicable methods.Also,scientific knowledge is self- corrective as psychologists are always repeating each other’s experiments
Limitations of a scientific approach to psychology- by focusing on controlling observations contrived situations are created that tell us little about how people act in more natural environments.
Inaccuracy of introspection- Nisbett and Wilson( 1977) claim that we have very little knowledge of processes underlying our behaviours and attitudes.They found that participants were unaware of factors that had been influential in their choice of a consumer item.
The history of psychology can be traced back to ancient Greek philosophers such as Aristotle and Plato, who explored topics such as perception, memory, and learning. The modern scientific study of psychology began in the late 19th century, with the establishment of experimental psychology as a discipline.
Wilhelm Wundt, a German psychologist, is widely considered the founder of modern psychology. He established the first psychology laboratory at the University of Leipzig in 1879 and developed the method of introspection, which involved examining one’s own thoughts and feelings in a systematic way.
The main schools of psychology include behaviorism, cognitive psychology, psychoanalysis, humanistic psychology, and biological psychology. Each school has its own theoretical perspective and approach to understanding human behavior and mental processes.
The nature vs. nurture debate is a longstanding controversy in psychology that centers on whether human behavior and traits are primarily determined by genetics (nature) or environmental factors (nurture). A-Level psychology students will learn about various theories and studies that have contributed to this debate.
Sigmund Freud is a highly influential figure in the field of psychology, particularly in the area of psychoanalysis. His theories about the unconscious mind and the role of early childhood experiences in shaping personality and behavior continue to have a significant impact on modern psychology.
Research methods are critical to the study of psychology, as they allow researchers to gather empirical evidence and test hypotheses about human behavior and mental processes. A-Level psychology students will learn about various research methods used in psychology, including experimental research, observational research, and survey research.
Psychology has evolved significantly since its inception, with new theories, perspectives, and methods emerging over time. Advances in technology and changes in cultural and social norms have also contributed to the evolution of psychology as a field of study.
There are many career opportunities available in psychology, including clinical psychology, counseling psychology, forensic psychology, educational psychology, and research psychology. A-Level psychology students will learn about the different career paths available and the education and training required to pursue them.
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