6. Definition of Introspection
- “An inward focusing on mental experiences, such
as sensations or feelings.”
- “The conscious mental and purposive process
relaying on thinking, reasoning, and examination
of one’s own thoughts and perceptions.”
- “The process of directly examining one’s own
conscious mental states and processes.”
- “Examination of one’s own conscious thoughts
and feelings.” (Schultz:2012)
7. Historical Background of Introspection
Method
The word introspection came from Latin
words:
“Intro” - within
“spect” - look
Historically introspection is the oldest method
of all, which was formerly used in philosophy,
and then in psychology to collect data about
the conscious experience of the subject.
8. In 17th century, Rene Descartes held that all
mental states are subject to introspection; that
is sufficient to have a mental state to be aware
of it; and that when one introspects, he cannot
be mistaken about what he says.
In 19th century, psychologists particularly
Wilhelm Wundt and E.B. Tichner as well as
those in more recent times in the area of
cognitive science, have used introspection to
try to uncover the process of the human mind
by asking to recount their thinking, perceptions,
feelings, and so forth, in a variety of situations.
9. Introspection was the principle method of
structuralism school led by Wilhelm Wundt in
Germany and E.B. Tichner in America. They
defined psychology as the study of conscious
experiences of the individual.
But the behaviorist John B Watson
condemned introspection as unreliable and
opposed the consideration of all notions of
subjective experience and questions of
consciousness. They emphasized on only
observable behavior that can be analyzed in
term of measurable stimuli and responses.
11. 1- Set a task.
2- Ask participants to report on what their
brains/hearts are processing as they carry out
the task.
EXAMPLE:
Solving and arithmetic problem… you mutter to
yourself as you solve.
13. 1. It gives direct information about one’s own self
which is difficult by other methods. Introspection
is the easiest of all methods of educational
psychology.
2. It does not need any tool or laboratory as the
subject and the investigator is the same.
3.It is the most economical method and one
which enables us to know about the mental state
of an individual, i.e. his emotions and feelings.
4. Introspection, as a method, has generated a lot
of research. It makes a base for other methods
such as experimental and observation method
14. 5. The subjective observation method provides an
opportunity to check the results obtained through
other methods. For example, the general finding is
that the pleasant materials are better remembered
than the unpleasant materials. Suppose, in an
experiment the results suggested that the
unpleasant materials were better remembered
than the pleasant materials. The reason for this
unexpected finding can be found from the
introspective report given by the subject. The
subject might have reported that he was
inattentive or mentally disturbed or feeling unwell
when the pleasant materials were presented to
him. Here the introspective report would be
helpful in explaining the results.
16. 1. This method is subjective in nature and lacks
scientific objectivity
2. The most serious objection against this method
is that human mind is not static like inanimate
objects such as stone or chairs etc. our mental
process is under constant changes so when one
attempts to introspect, the state of mental process
disappears and it becomes a retrospect. Therefore
it is different to introspect the changing
psychological experiences
3. There are conflicting reports, as regards the
findings collected from different introspectionists.
4. This method lacks validity and reliability.
17. 4. The human mind is divided in two parts. One is
his own mental operation and the other is the
object to which this mental operation is directed.
To expect any individual to attend the workings of
his own mind during a mental process, especially in
a complex and emotional state such as anger or
fear, is a mistaken idea. Ross commenting on the
limitation of introspection said, “ The observer and
the observed are the same, the mind is both the
field and the instrument of observation
5. Introspection cannot be employed on children,
abnormal person and animals.
6. Introspection method demand a mature, highly
trained and skilled person to introspect properly.
19. Hence, we can conclude that the
introspection method cannot be considered
as precise; the limitations can be overcome
by proper training and only then can it
become effective
21. • Introspection is the oldest method of educational psychology.
• Introspection means ‘self observation’, i.e. to look into one’s own
mental state.
• Introspection means examining the inner behavior of an individual by
oneself.
• Introspection is the easiest and most economical of all methods of
educational psychology.
• In this method the individual is both the subject and the observer.
• Introspection has generated a lot of research in experimental studies.
• The data collected through the introspection method may not be
reliable as an individual’s mental state is changeable.
• The introspection method can not be done by abnormal people and
children
• While introspecting an individual may hide certain facts of his mental
state and therefore the obtained data may not be valid.
