introspectionism
Noun: A psychological theory or approach that emphasizes the use of introspection—the examination of one's own conscious thoughts and feelings—as the primary method for studying the mind. Introspectionism holds that mental processes can be understood by individuals observing and reporting their own internal experiences.
- (A psychological method based on self-observation.)
- (The theory was criticized for lacking objectivity.)
"Radical introspectionism": An extreme form of introspectionism that rejects any external observation of behavior, focusing entirely on internal mental states.
- Radical introspectionism was eventually abandoned in favor of more empirical methods like behaviorism. (A strict version of the theory that was later replaced.)
"Introspectionism vs. behaviorism": A historical debate in psychology where introspectionism prioritized conscious experience, while behaviorism focused on observable actions.
- The shift from introspectionism to behaviorism marked a major change in psychological methodology. (The contrast between two competing psychological schools.)
Introspection (n): the act of examining one's own thoughts and feelings.
- Through introspection, she realized she was feeling anxious. (Self-examination of internal states.)
Introspective (adj): inclined to engage in introspection; reflective.
- He is a very introspective person who often thinks deeply about his emotions. (Reflective or self-analytical.)
Introspect (v): to examine one's own mental and emotional processes.
- She likes to introspect before making important decisions. (To look inward.)
- Self-observation: the act of watching one's own mental processes.
- Reflexive psychology: an older term for psychology based on self-reflection.
- Mentalism: a broader term for theories that prioritize mental phenomena over behavior.
Look within: to examine one's own mind or soul.
- To understand her motives, she had to look within. (To engage in introspection.)
Turn inward: to focus attention on one's own thoughts rather than external events.
- During meditation, he learned to turn inward. (To engage in self-examination.)