Final answer:
Introspection in psychology involves reporting on conscious experiences in reaction to stimuli. It is a self-reflective process critical to structuralism, used to analyze and understand internal psychological processes. Despite criticism for its subjectivity, it contributed greatly to the development of modern psychology.
Step-by-step explanation:
Understanding Introspection in Psychology
The method of research called introspection involves reporting on conscious experiences in reaction to stimuli. Introspection is a process by which someone examines their own conscious experiences in an attempt to break it down into its component parts. This method was primarily used by early psychologists who were a part of the structuralism movement, and it is associated with the analytical approach of looking inward to inspect and report one's thoughts, feelings, and mental states. The goal of introspection is not necessarily about concentration or simply reacting to stimuli, but about the careful self-examination and reflection on one's own cognitive processes.
Historically, introspection was utilized in the study of the mind in psychology, where researchers would systematically analyze and report the details of their own inner experiences. This technique was instrumental for the development of theories and understanding internal psychological processes. Nevertheless, introspection has faced criticism for its subjectivity, which can lead to inconsistencies and difficulties in verifying the findings. Despite these criticisms, introspection has paved the way for more objective methods in psychology that continue to explain behavior and cognitive processes.