Introspection is self-reflection and self-examination, studied in psychology, with roots in ancient Greek philosophy. Wilhelm Wundt brought introspection to experimental psychology, leading to greater objectivity. Introspective delusion can lead to inaccurate self-assessments. Introspection can engage an individual’s unique beliefs and values and provide insight into others’ situations.
Introspection is self-observation, self-examination and self-reflection. It is the opposite of extrospection which means looking outwards. Introspection is studied and used in the psychology profession, although not all psychologists agree on its exact therapeutic value.
The idea is thought to go back to the ancient Greek philosopher Socrates. He has spent most of his life being introspective and encouraging others to do so. Two of Socrates’ most famous quotes are “know thyself” and “the unexamined life is not worth living.”
The German physiologist, philosopher and psychologist Wilhelm Wundt brought introspection to his field of experimental psychology. In 1879 he opened his Institut fur Experimentelle Psychologie, which was the first experimental psychology laboratory in the world. His introspective scientific approach focused on the functioning of the mind through feelings and perceptions. Wundt argued that emotion appears before cognitive thinking.
Walter C. Varnum notes in his book Psychology in Everyday Life that psychologists before Wundt applied their self-evaluation in the field of psychology. Wundt expanded the introspective input to be more about patients’ self-reflection than that of psychologists. Varnum points out that, at least in part because of Wundt’s new introspective approach, the psychology profession became much more objective between 1910 and 1920. Psychology then evolved into a science of observing others and recording those remarks.
Prejudice is a crucial factor in the study of introspection. This bias is known as introspective delusion. For example, studies have shown that, after introspective self-analysis, many individuals’ conclusions that they were less socially compliant or less discriminatory of others like most people were inaccurate. Further tests given to these individuals did not confirm the results of their self-assessments.
In some ways, introspection differs greatly between individuals. For example, some people may go beyond observing, examining, and reflecting on their own actions, thoughts, feelings, and desires. They may include a self-assessment of their spirit or soul. In this way, being introspective can deeply engage an individual’s more abstract and unique beliefs, values, and approaches to evaluating the inner self.
An example of introspection in cognitive psychology is when an individual is asked to try to explain why they made a certain decision. The word cognitive refers to thinking. Thinking can also involve creative introspection. For example, sympathetic introspection is the psychological imagining of oneself in the same situation as another person. Being sympathetically introspective can provide insight and understanding into another person’s situation, such as why they may have made certain choices.
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