Presented to:

Sir Muhammad Iqbal

Presented by:

Group # 4

Group Members

• Saher Akhtar (Group Leader)

• Nayyab Hanif( Assistant Group Leader)

• Warda Hanif

• Mahrukh Iftikhar

• Sehrish Shehzadi

INTRODUCTION

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)

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.

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.

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.

Use of Introspective Method

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.

MERITS

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

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.

DEMERITS

1. This method is subjective in nature and lacks scientific objectivity2. 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 experiences3. There are conflicting reports, as regards the findings collected from different introspectionists.4. This method lacks validity and reliability.

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.

CONCLUSION

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

SUMMARY

• 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.

REFERENCES

http://www.slideshare.net/patriciamariepineda/selfintrospectionhttp://www.slideshare.net/novianzaini7/introspective-research?next_slideshow=1 http://www.slideshare.net/m_k/introspective-9926833

http://www.preservearticles.com/201101283753/what-are-the-advantages-and-disadvantages-of-introspection-method-of-psychology.html

THANK YOU!(Jazak ALLAH)