Introspection

Introspection is the scientific method of research developed by Wilhelm Wundt. It was the first scientific approach in Psychology (along with Structuralism and Functionalism). It involves recording the thoughts, feelings, and perceptions of research participants in response to different sensory stimuli.

Wundt trained his colleagues in introspection. One of them was E. B. Titchener, who later improved upon introspection using Structuralism.

Introspection later proved to be unworkable and inconclusive because of the extensive variation of individual responses. Nevertheless, it paved the way for the development of better research designs, specifically descriptive research in psychology, which includes surveys, interviews, and case histories.