The Strengths And Weaknesses Of Introspection As A Method For Investigating Psychological Phenomenon

Write a three- to four-page article review in which you discuss methodological issues unique to psychological research and analyze basic

 Module Overview • In groups you have 10 minutes to discuss one of the 3 parts of Investigating psychology: – Part 1 (Ch.1 - 3) ‘Why people do harm to others?’ – Part 2 (Ch.4 - 6) ‘What determines human behaviour?’ – Part 3 (Ch.7 - 9) ‘Psychological processes that cannot be directly observed’ • Think about the studies and concepts in each of the parts and be prepared to discuss your ideas when you are called back.

According to the course syllabus we were introduced to the techniques of psychological research. This course was able to provide an understanding of how research is done, and what methods we can use to do so. By having a clear understanding of research and techniques used, it allows us to communicate effectively in regards to ideas behind the research process. In this paper, I will use myself as the case study to examine exactly what I learned about research.

Psychological research describes investigations psychologists undertake in order to review and analyse a specific hypothesis, (a theory about the relationship between defined variables). Research allows theories to be confirmed, amended or rejected and often leads to further research as requirements evolve. Psychological research can take many forms, from laboratory based experiments to non-invasive viewing of subjects in their own environment. This research can take place using human or non-human subjects and the analysed results applied to human behaviour or experience within many disciplines including, education, legal or occupational.

Explanations of narcolepsy are in majority biological. Scientists have discovered that narcoleptics often are lacking in hypocretin which is a chemical in the brain that control sleep and wakefulness. A lack of this chemical may explain the sudden attacks of sleep.

The person who was doing the introspection would be fully aware of when and what stimulus would be presented to them. This ensured that the observer was in full control of the experience. The stimulus would then be presented many times. Introspection was commonly done when the observer was awaiting the stimulus and when they were reacting to its presentation. It was through using introspection that Wundt and his students concluded that the sensations and feelings are what constitute the activity in our minds. They believed that the combination of or the relationship between sensations and feelings are what creates constantly shifting psychological processing. (King et al 2009)

A debate rages in psychology. It is not one of the usual kind, dwelling on a specific aspect of the mind or a new drug, but a controversy dealing with the very foundations of psychology. The issue is determining how psychologists should treat patients and on what psychologists base their choices. Some feel that they must be empirically-supported treatments, treatments backed by hard data and scientifically supported. Others feel that this standard for treatments is much too confining for the complex field of psychology and that many good treatments cannot be backed by hard data. The American Psychological Association President Task Force on Evidence-Based Treatment came out with a plan for psychology that effectively maintains a high

Over the course of this class I have pieced together many things about my own life that before went unnoticed. I am now able to see things in a bit of a different light. Now that I have been introduced to the realm of psychology I understand some of the reasons for behavior around me. I have learned that there is a reason for most everything and a lot of our behaviors and mental processes can be explained through psychology. Studies have been conducted for many years to try and pinpoint the source of our behavior and it is not something that most people think about every day. Having a better understanding of why we operate the way we do will help me to better understand myself and the others around me.

Introspection is a source of knowledge about our mental states. Introspection is the way humans examine and observe their own mental and emotional states. Even though usually accurate, sometimes the beliefs we form through introspection can be incorrect. Being in a dispositional mental state can cause false beliefs about our mental states. For example if someone is traumatized due to experiencing a violent relationship, they begin to think that every relationship will be an abusive

Research performed by Wilhelm Wundt and Edward Titchener concluded that the only way to study thoughts is to introspect, or examine one’s own thoughts and feelings, to observe and record content of their personal minds and understand the sequence of their own experiences. This proved to be a difficult task, nonetheless. Wundt and Titchener believed that introspectors would need to be carefully trained. The training included being given a vocabulary to describe what they observed, taught to be as careful and complete as possible - reporting solely on their experiences, with as little personal interpretation as possible. Concerns grew with this style of research over the years. Investigators were forced to acknowledge that some thoughts are unconscious, which would mean that

James was referred to the counselling service for chronic low mood in terms of demonstrating depressed mood, worthless and hopeless feeling, and marked diminished interests or pleasure in university activities and social relationship activities. Based on his background information, it seems that James’ early life experiences and his developed core beliefs of self, world and future have huge impacts on his chronic low mood symptoms.

As a physical therapy student, many peers have asked why I chose to minor in psychology rather than taking a simple course in human performance and fitness or biology. Taking this course, I am confident in my minor decision and realize the importance of mastering and utilizing effective communication, genuine listening, and authentic presence, especially in a physical therapy setting. Several counseling theories were presented over the course of the semester looking at their basic philosophies, the relationship between client and therapist, and key components to effective treatment. There were three theories in particular, Adlerian therapy, existential therapy, and rational emotive behavior therapy, which I found to really resonate with my beliefs, values, and experiences. By integrating these three theories together, using the common factors approach, I was able to identify similar core beliefs and principles in each to create my final theory of change.

Before taking this course my writing styles and habits were very different. I was the typical procrastinator because I would wait until the night before a paper was due to start it. This did not allow me enough time to properly proofread everything, which resulted in getting points deducted for simple grammatical errors that could have been avoided if I would have had the time to proofread. My writing styles have many strengths and weaknesses and I have been able to improve my writing because of them. I have learned from my strengths and weaknesses how to become a better writer.

The dictionary describes introspection as the examination or observation of one's own mental and emotional processes. Kevin Woods stated, “Introspection are all about getting to know yourself at the core, uncovering your values and then deciding for yourself what’s the best action to take.” Your emotions and feelings play a major role in why we do things. If we listen to our feelings then we can find more things about us that we didn’t know. This could benefit us and help us appreciate more things and live but also may make us overthink some times. Karl Perera mentioned, “Introspection is good in small doses. If you are feeling very tired or have no energy and can’t find a solution as things keep rolling through your mind over and over then it is time to stop.” Overall, everyone connects with things differently; it is interesting to notice how you feel in certain situations.

This research article was taken from the Association for Psychological Science (APS) Journal. This specific issue had a total of ten articles, and while they are covering different topics and studies, some of them do focus on similar ideas. Psychology is all about the study of the mind, and how it has different parts intended for unique functions. It seems like a good portion of the articles for this specific journal deal with emotions and how the body interprets them. One article deals with the stress of different generations, while another deals with an individual’s willpower against sugar. There is an article about self-esteem and how that varies during a lifetime, as well as an article on cooperation. The article that will be specifically discussed in this research paper also has to deal with how the body interprets things when it comes to a stressful situation, such as a crime. It looks at how reliable eyewitness testimony is after traumatic events, specifically in regards to lineups.