Final answer:
Mary is engaged in introspection, which is an introspective method linked to the school of thought known as structuralism. This involves analyzing her own conscious experience to understand her cognition and emotions, an approach essential to the field of psychology.
Step-by-step explanation:
Mary is engaged in introspection, a method closely associated with the school of thought known as structuralism. Whenever Mary spends time examining her own conscious experiences in search of understanding her thought processes and feelings, she is, in essence, employing the method of introspection first popularized by Wilhelm Wundt, the father of structuralism. This process involves her turning her focus inward to analyze and report on the content of her own mind, which is the hallmark of introspective practice.
Given that structuralism aims to break down mental processes into the most basic components, Mary's application of these principles through introspection is a means for her to gain insight into the fundamental structure of her cognitive experiences. She examines her cognition, emotions, and various sensory experiences in order to understand the complex interrelations that create her overall experience.
The practice of introspection is challenging and requires a high level of self-awareness and critical reflection. As she diligently applies these principles, Mary not only explores the contents of her mind but also contributes to the broader realm of psychology by engaging in a method that has historical significance to the field.