1. Wundt: Quick Revision

2. Wundt and Introspection
Assumptions/contributions to psychology
Psychology should be a discipline in its own right
Thought/behaviour should be studied scientifically
The environment should be highly controlled when studying people
The study of Ps present experience made possible by introspection

3. Methods of study
Introspection: Wundt Believed that Ps can be trained to objectively report on subtle changes in their perceptions and experiences (for example, a metronome slowing) Laboratory: Highly controlled environment. First experimental laboratory in Leipzig (Germany) in 1879

4. Commentary/Evaluation Positive
Pioneer in the field of experimental Psychology
Led the way in believing that psychology could be studied empirically and therefore, scientifically.
Methods still used when trying to investigate difficult to measure emotions, such as ‘happiness’ and cognitive functions

5. Commentary/Evaluation Negative
Self-reporting, even after training, is too subjective and open to inaccuracies; lacks scientific rigour.
What the person reports cannot be verified by an independent observer, so it is impossible to check for validity and reliability
Introspection as a valid method of inquiry rejected by behaviourists as unscientific.