INTROSPECTIVE METHOD Meaning and
Definition
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The introspective method can be defined as a psychological research technique aiming to gain insights into one's own internal mental processes, thoughts, and feelings. It involves self-reflection and self-observation, with the individual being the primary source of information about their own subjective experiences.
This method often requires individuals to engage in introspection, a process of examining one's own thoughts, emotions, and motives. It encourages individuals to explore their own conscious experiences and provides a way to access and analyze their inner mental states. Introspection involves focusing one's attention inwardly, often with the help of prompts or specific instructions, to reflect on one's thoughts, memories, and emotions.
By using the introspective method, researchers attempt to uncover the underlying cognitive and emotional processes that influence human behavior. This technique is often employed within branches of psychology such as phenomenology, cognitive psychology, and qualitative research, to gain a deeper understanding of human experiences and subjective reality.
However, it is important to note that the validity and reliability of introspection as a research method have been a subject of debate within the field. Critics argue that introspection may be subjective and prone to biases, making it challenging to obtain objective and generalizable findings. Nevertheless, the introspective method remains an important tool for gaining insights into one's own consciousness and internal states.
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In psychology, the study of mental phenomena by contemplating the processes in one's own mind.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
Common Misspellings for INTROSPECTIVE METHOD
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Etymology of INTROSPECTIVE METHOD
The word "introspective" comes from the Latin word "introspectus", which is the past participle of "introspicere", meaning "to look within" or "to see within oneself". It is derived from the combination of the prefix "intro", meaning "within", and the verb "specere", meaning "to look" or "to see". The term "method" originates from the Greek word "methodos", which can be broken down into "meta" meaning "after" or "with", and "hodos" meaning "way" or "road". Hence, "introspective method" refers to a systematic approach or technique of examining and exploring one's inner thoughts, feelings, and emotions.
