- Science involves building knowledge through systematic a
Origins of psychology measurement. The aim is to discover general laws.
- By the beginning of the 20th century the value of introspec
questioned by many. Watson and Skinner proposed that a t
scientific psychology should only study phenomena that can
• Psychology is the scientific study of the human mind objectively observed. Behaviourists focused on visible beha
and its function affecting behaviour given in context. used carefully controlled experiments.
• First lab dedicated to psychological enquiry was - The digital revolution of the 1950s gave a new generation
opened by Wundt in 1879 Germany. His aim was to psychologists a metaphor for studying the mind. Cognitive p
describe and observe human consciousness. He used likened the mind to a computer. The cognitive approach ens
the method of introspection (systematic method used study of the mind was a legitimate and highly scientific aspe
to study mind by breaking up conscious awareness discipline.
into thoughts, images and sensations). Introspections - In more recent times, the biological approach has taken sc
were recorded under controlled conditions and psychology to new levels. Researchers within this area have
instructions were standardized. Some of his method advantage of advance in technology to investigate psycholo
were systematic and well controlled. Introspections processes as they happen. E.g. scanning techniques.
recorded in the controlled environment of the lab, - Modern psychology can claim to be scientific. All rely on
procedures were carefully standardized. However, scientific methods, for example, lab studies to investigat
other aspects of Wundt’s research would be a controlled and unbiased way.
considered unscientific today. Wundt relied on - Not all approaches use objective methods. Humanisitic
participants self-reporting. Such data is subjective and reject the scientific approach. Psychodynamic approach
participants may have hidden their thoughts. of case studies. Humans may also respond to demand
characteristics.
- Kuhn claimed that any science must have a paradigm, a
principles, assumptions and methods. For this reason he
psychology as a science.
Origins of psychology measurement. The aim is to discover general laws.
- By the beginning of the 20th century the value of introspec
questioned by many. Watson and Skinner proposed that a t
scientific psychology should only study phenomena that can
• Psychology is the scientific study of the human mind objectively observed. Behaviourists focused on visible beha
and its function affecting behaviour given in context. used carefully controlled experiments.
• First lab dedicated to psychological enquiry was - The digital revolution of the 1950s gave a new generation
opened by Wundt in 1879 Germany. His aim was to psychologists a metaphor for studying the mind. Cognitive p
describe and observe human consciousness. He used likened the mind to a computer. The cognitive approach ens
the method of introspection (systematic method used study of the mind was a legitimate and highly scientific aspe
to study mind by breaking up conscious awareness discipline.
into thoughts, images and sensations). Introspections - In more recent times, the biological approach has taken sc
were recorded under controlled conditions and psychology to new levels. Researchers within this area have
instructions were standardized. Some of his method advantage of advance in technology to investigate psycholo
were systematic and well controlled. Introspections processes as they happen. E.g. scanning techniques.
recorded in the controlled environment of the lab, - Modern psychology can claim to be scientific. All rely on
procedures were carefully standardized. However, scientific methods, for example, lab studies to investigat
other aspects of Wundt’s research would be a controlled and unbiased way.
considered unscientific today. Wundt relied on - Not all approaches use objective methods. Humanisitic
participants self-reporting. Such data is subjective and reject the scientific approach. Psychodynamic approach
participants may have hidden their thoughts. of case studies. Humans may also respond to demand
characteristics.
- Kuhn claimed that any science must have a paradigm, a
principles, assumptions and methods. For this reason he
psychology as a science.
