Introspection

Introspection is the examination of one's own conscious thoughts and feelings. In psychology, the process of introspection relies exclusively on observation of one's mental state, while in a spiritual context it may refer to the examination of one's soul. Introspection is closely related to human self-reflection and is contrasted with external observation.

Definition

Introspection is the examination of one's own conscious thoughts and feelings. In psychology, the process of introspection relies exclusively on observation of one's mental state, while in a spiritual context it may refer to the examination of one's soul. Introspection is closely related to human self-reflection and is contrasted with external observation.

History

The use of introspection as a formal tool in psychology dates back to the 19th century, when it was employed by Wilhelm Wundt in the development of his theory of structuralism. Wundt believed that by training individuals to carefully and accurately report their experiences, he could gain insight into the structure of the human mind.

Criticism

Introspection has been criticized for its lack of reliability, with many arguing that our own perceptions of our mental processes are often inaccurate. This criticism was notably expressed by B.F. Skinner, who argued that introspection could not be used as a scientific method due to its subjectivity and variability.

In Modern Psychology

Despite these criticisms, introspection is still used in psychology today, particularly in the field of cognitive psychology. It is also a key component of many forms of therapy, including cognitive behavioral therapy.

See Also

• Self-reflection
• Cognitive psychology
• Cognitive behavioral therapy
• Wilhelm Wundt
• B.F. Skinner

References

Introspection Resources
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