Wundt and Origins of psychology
The birth of psychology as an independent branch of science was around 1879 when the first
experimental psychology lab was opened by Wundt to study the human consciousness (the
‘mind’). He moved the roots of the subject from philosophical to controlled research.
Wundt is known as the ’father of psychology’ who set up the first psychological lab in 1879 with the
objective to research and document the structure of mental processes (human consciousness)
such as sensations and perceptions under controlled conditions. The method Wundt used to study
the human consciousness is known as introspection and involves the systematic analysis of one’s
own conscious experience (thoughts/feelings) of stimuli. Wundt focused on being objective
although this was later questioned. The aim was then to break these down into basic structures.
He paved the way for later more controlled research of mental processes. E.g. cognitive approach.
Introspection
The first systematic experimental attempt at studying the human conscious (mind) by breaking up
conscious experience into basic components. For example, images, sensations, emotions.
Wundt would ask participants to focus on everyday objects (e.g. metronome) and ask them to look
inwards and recall any material (thoughts/emotions). These thoughts would be recorded and
broken down into basic components.
Introspection does show some of the features we consider as ‘scientific’ study today. The recording
of the conscious thoughts took place in controlled conditions where the same stimuli was used
every time and standardised instructions were issued with all participants allowing the procedures
to be repeated. Participants were also trained to give the most detailed responses surrounding
their experiences.
Main limitations of Wundt's introspection
1.Behaviourist psychologists such as Watson questioned the scientific status of introspection as it
produced subjective data rather than objective. The participants were recalling their own conscious
thoughts and may not have wanted to reveal some of the thoughts and generally we only report parts of
what we are actually thinking. Equally every participant's thoughts would have been different making it
hard to establish patterns and make laws about mental processes. Due to the subjective nature this made
it hard to produce reliable results that could be replicated to check for reliability.
2. Conscious thoughts are mental processes that cannot be observed and measured. A truly scientific
psychology should be focusing on phenomenon that can be observed and measured. This is known as
empirical methods. Wundt’s method does not meet the requirements of scientific enquiry that we know
and have established today.
3. Greater contributions have been made to psychology by early behaviourists such as Pavlov and
Skinner who produced reliable findings that give explanatory power and followed the scientific approach.
Objective = based on facts and not influenced by a person's opinion or experiences.
Replicable = ability to repeat the procedure to see if the results are the same/similar.
Empirical = based on behaviour that can be observed and tested.
Based on the above criticisms made by Watson the behaviourist approach was born around 1913
and the emergence of psychology as a controlled science began with the use of highly controlled
laboratory experiments. Introspection was no longer considered scientific.
The use of controlled laboratory experiments can still be seen in psychology today. However, this
has broadened somewhat which you will discover when we look at the various approaches.
,The scientific method in psychology refers to investigative methods that are objective, systematic,
empirical and replicable. This allows for theories to be developed to explain human behaviour
which can then be tested and modified where needed.
The scientific method can also be seen in later approaches such as the cognitive approach which
focuses on studying internal mental processes in a lab. The cognitive and biological approaches
use modern technologies such as EEG and fMRI to record brain activity.
The emergence of psychology as a science
Focuses on being objective and conducting Knowledge acquired is accurate and produces facts
research in strictly controlled environments. This due to the use of objective and controlled studies.
tells us little about how people will behave in their
natural environments.
Allows the causes of behaviour to be established There are certain areas of the human behaviour and
and theories developed which can then be tested mind (language) that can not be observed therefore
and modified. Once the cause is established cannot be measured using the scientific method.
treatments can be developed. E.g. the development Meaning methods such as introspection maybe
of psychological therapies for depression. useful.
Behaviourism
The behaviourist approach emerged in the early 20th Century and was founded by John Watson.
The behaviourist approach rejected the method of introspection as it was too vague and focused
on concepts that were difficult to measure. Instead this approach focuses on how human behaviour
is a product of our experiences and environment.
Pavlov and Skinner are important contributors to the behaviourist approach. Pavlov researched
classical conditioning and Skinner researched and developed operant conditioning.
The behaviourist approach basic assumptions
1. The behaviourist approach believes that were are all born blank slates and all behaviour is
learnt through a series of interactions with the environment.
2. Behaviourists suggest that the basic principles which govern learning are the same in all
species. Therefore research conducted on animals can be generalised to humans.
3. This approach is primarily concerned with observable behaviour which can be measured
objectively.
4. The behaviourist approach suggests behaviour can be learnt in two ways: through classical
conditioning or operant conditioning.
Classical conditioning
Classical conditioning is learning through association and occurs when two stimuli in the
environment (unconditioned stimulus and neutral stimulus) are paired together to create a new
stimulus -response relationship known as the conditioned stimulus and conditioned response.
Operant conditioning
Operant conditioning is where behaviour is shaped and maintained by its consequences.
Consequences of behaviour are known as reinforcements and there are three types of
reinforcement proposed by Skinner:
Positive reinforcement: a behaviour is rewarded which increases the likelihood of the behaviour
occurring.
Negative reinforcement: is when an action/behaviour results in an unpleasant consequence being
avoided.
Punishment: when a behaviour results in something unpleasant decreasing the likelihood of the
behaviour occurring again.
, Skinner was the key researcher of operant conditioning. He used a piece of apparatus known as
the ‘Skinner box’ to study operant conditioning . He typically used pigeons and rats as his
participants.
Evaluating behaviourism
A strength of the behaviourist approach assumptions are they are based on experimental methods.
For example, Skinner developed the ‘Skinner box’ to test the principles of operant conditioning
which allowed him to manipulate the consequences of the behaviour ( positive, or negative ) to see
what effect it had on the rats behaviour.
This is a strength of the approach as it allows cause and effect to be drawn. In the case of
Skinner’s research this mean we can be sure that it was the use of positive or negative
reinforcement which caused the rats behaviour. This means we can establish the influence
reinforcement has on behaviour.
A further strength of the behaviourist approach is that it has led to the development of successful
treatments.
For example, classical conditioning shows how anxious responses can be learnt to feared
objects/situations in the environment. As a result of this insight a therapy called systematic
desensitisation has been developed which works by eliminating the learnt anxious response to the
feared object/situation and replacing it with a relaxed response
Systematic desensitisation is a successful therapy when treating phobias which is a strength as
without the approach the therapy may not have been developed meaning the quality of life can not
improved for individuals diagnosed with certain phobias.
Social learning theory
The social learning theory was developed by Albert Bandura. This theory focuses on learning
occurring in a social context. It believes behaviour can be learnt through observing and imitating
the behaviour of others.
Basic assumption/features of the SLT:
1) The social learning theory suggests that an individual learns behaviour by observing the
behaviour of a role model. A role model is the person whose behaviour/attitudes are copied.
2) Once the role model's behaviour has been observed it will then be reproduced by the individual.
This is known as imitation.
3) An individual will only relate/associate to certain models and imitate their behaviour. This is
known as identification. An individual is more likely to relate to a model if they are similar to
themselves (similar age, same gender) or are attractive/higher status. Identification with a model
means the individual is more likely to imitate the behaviour observed.
4) Copying the behaviour of a role model is known as modelling.
5) Imitation is more likely to occur if they share similar characteristics with the role model, the
observer has the ability to perform the behaviour and the consequences are observed.
6) Bandura suggests that children also learn behaviour by observing the consequences and then
adjusting their behaviour accordingly. This is known as vicarious reinforcement. If a child observes
the role model being rewarded for their behaviour then they are more likely to imitate the
The birth of psychology as an independent branch of science was around 1879 when the first
experimental psychology lab was opened by Wundt to study the human consciousness (the
‘mind’). He moved the roots of the subject from philosophical to controlled research.
Wundt is known as the ’father of psychology’ who set up the first psychological lab in 1879 with the
objective to research and document the structure of mental processes (human consciousness)
such as sensations and perceptions under controlled conditions. The method Wundt used to study
the human consciousness is known as introspection and involves the systematic analysis of one’s
own conscious experience (thoughts/feelings) of stimuli. Wundt focused on being objective
although this was later questioned. The aim was then to break these down into basic structures.
He paved the way for later more controlled research of mental processes. E.g. cognitive approach.
Introspection
The first systematic experimental attempt at studying the human conscious (mind) by breaking up
conscious experience into basic components. For example, images, sensations, emotions.
Wundt would ask participants to focus on everyday objects (e.g. metronome) and ask them to look
inwards and recall any material (thoughts/emotions). These thoughts would be recorded and
broken down into basic components.
Introspection does show some of the features we consider as ‘scientific’ study today. The recording
of the conscious thoughts took place in controlled conditions where the same stimuli was used
every time and standardised instructions were issued with all participants allowing the procedures
to be repeated. Participants were also trained to give the most detailed responses surrounding
their experiences.
Main limitations of Wundt's introspection
1.Behaviourist psychologists such as Watson questioned the scientific status of introspection as it
produced subjective data rather than objective. The participants were recalling their own conscious
thoughts and may not have wanted to reveal some of the thoughts and generally we only report parts of
what we are actually thinking. Equally every participant's thoughts would have been different making it
hard to establish patterns and make laws about mental processes. Due to the subjective nature this made
it hard to produce reliable results that could be replicated to check for reliability.
2. Conscious thoughts are mental processes that cannot be observed and measured. A truly scientific
psychology should be focusing on phenomenon that can be observed and measured. This is known as
empirical methods. Wundt’s method does not meet the requirements of scientific enquiry that we know
and have established today.
3. Greater contributions have been made to psychology by early behaviourists such as Pavlov and
Skinner who produced reliable findings that give explanatory power and followed the scientific approach.
Objective = based on facts and not influenced by a person's opinion or experiences.
Replicable = ability to repeat the procedure to see if the results are the same/similar.
Empirical = based on behaviour that can be observed and tested.
Based on the above criticisms made by Watson the behaviourist approach was born around 1913
and the emergence of psychology as a controlled science began with the use of highly controlled
laboratory experiments. Introspection was no longer considered scientific.
The use of controlled laboratory experiments can still be seen in psychology today. However, this
has broadened somewhat which you will discover when we look at the various approaches.
,The scientific method in psychology refers to investigative methods that are objective, systematic,
empirical and replicable. This allows for theories to be developed to explain human behaviour
which can then be tested and modified where needed.
The scientific method can also be seen in later approaches such as the cognitive approach which
focuses on studying internal mental processes in a lab. The cognitive and biological approaches
use modern technologies such as EEG and fMRI to record brain activity.
The emergence of psychology as a science
Focuses on being objective and conducting Knowledge acquired is accurate and produces facts
research in strictly controlled environments. This due to the use of objective and controlled studies.
tells us little about how people will behave in their
natural environments.
Allows the causes of behaviour to be established There are certain areas of the human behaviour and
and theories developed which can then be tested mind (language) that can not be observed therefore
and modified. Once the cause is established cannot be measured using the scientific method.
treatments can be developed. E.g. the development Meaning methods such as introspection maybe
of psychological therapies for depression. useful.
Behaviourism
The behaviourist approach emerged in the early 20th Century and was founded by John Watson.
The behaviourist approach rejected the method of introspection as it was too vague and focused
on concepts that were difficult to measure. Instead this approach focuses on how human behaviour
is a product of our experiences and environment.
Pavlov and Skinner are important contributors to the behaviourist approach. Pavlov researched
classical conditioning and Skinner researched and developed operant conditioning.
The behaviourist approach basic assumptions
1. The behaviourist approach believes that were are all born blank slates and all behaviour is
learnt through a series of interactions with the environment.
2. Behaviourists suggest that the basic principles which govern learning are the same in all
species. Therefore research conducted on animals can be generalised to humans.
3. This approach is primarily concerned with observable behaviour which can be measured
objectively.
4. The behaviourist approach suggests behaviour can be learnt in two ways: through classical
conditioning or operant conditioning.
Classical conditioning
Classical conditioning is learning through association and occurs when two stimuli in the
environment (unconditioned stimulus and neutral stimulus) are paired together to create a new
stimulus -response relationship known as the conditioned stimulus and conditioned response.
Operant conditioning
Operant conditioning is where behaviour is shaped and maintained by its consequences.
Consequences of behaviour are known as reinforcements and there are three types of
reinforcement proposed by Skinner:
Positive reinforcement: a behaviour is rewarded which increases the likelihood of the behaviour
occurring.
Negative reinforcement: is when an action/behaviour results in an unpleasant consequence being
avoided.
Punishment: when a behaviour results in something unpleasant decreasing the likelihood of the
behaviour occurring again.
, Skinner was the key researcher of operant conditioning. He used a piece of apparatus known as
the ‘Skinner box’ to study operant conditioning . He typically used pigeons and rats as his
participants.
Evaluating behaviourism
A strength of the behaviourist approach assumptions are they are based on experimental methods.
For example, Skinner developed the ‘Skinner box’ to test the principles of operant conditioning
which allowed him to manipulate the consequences of the behaviour ( positive, or negative ) to see
what effect it had on the rats behaviour.
This is a strength of the approach as it allows cause and effect to be drawn. In the case of
Skinner’s research this mean we can be sure that it was the use of positive or negative
reinforcement which caused the rats behaviour. This means we can establish the influence
reinforcement has on behaviour.
A further strength of the behaviourist approach is that it has led to the development of successful
treatments.
For example, classical conditioning shows how anxious responses can be learnt to feared
objects/situations in the environment. As a result of this insight a therapy called systematic
desensitisation has been developed which works by eliminating the learnt anxious response to the
feared object/situation and replacing it with a relaxed response
Systematic desensitisation is a successful therapy when treating phobias which is a strength as
without the approach the therapy may not have been developed meaning the quality of life can not
improved for individuals diagnosed with certain phobias.
Social learning theory
The social learning theory was developed by Albert Bandura. This theory focuses on learning
occurring in a social context. It believes behaviour can be learnt through observing and imitating
the behaviour of others.
Basic assumption/features of the SLT:
1) The social learning theory suggests that an individual learns behaviour by observing the
behaviour of a role model. A role model is the person whose behaviour/attitudes are copied.
2) Once the role model's behaviour has been observed it will then be reproduced by the individual.
This is known as imitation.
3) An individual will only relate/associate to certain models and imitate their behaviour. This is
known as identification. An individual is more likely to relate to a model if they are similar to
themselves (similar age, same gender) or are attractive/higher status. Identification with a model
means the individual is more likely to imitate the behaviour observed.
4) Copying the behaviour of a role model is known as modelling.
5) Imitation is more likely to occur if they share similar characteristics with the role model, the
observer has the ability to perform the behaviour and the consequences are observed.
6) Bandura suggests that children also learn behaviour by observing the consequences and then
adjusting their behaviour accordingly. This is known as vicarious reinforcement. If a child observes
the role model being rewarded for their behaviour then they are more likely to imitate the
