Pavlov’s research into the physiology of digestion led him logically to create a science of conditioned reflexes. In his study of the reflex regulation of the activity of the digestive glands, Pavlov paid special attention to the phenomenon of «psychic secretion», which is caused by food stimuli at a distance from the animal. By employing the method – developed by his colleague D. D. Glinskii in 1895 – of establishing fistulas in the ducts of the salivary glands, Pavlov was able to carry out experiments on the nature of these glands. A series of these experiments caused Pavlov to reject the subjective interpretation of «psychic» salivary secretion and, on the basis of Sechenov’s hypothesis that psychic activity was of a reflex nature, to conclude that even here a reflex – though not a permanent but a temporary or conditioned one – was involved.

This discovery of the function of conditioned reflexes made it possible to study all psychic activity objectively, instead of resorting to subjective methods as had hitherto been necessary; it was now possible to investigate by experimental means the most complex interrelations between an organism and its external environment.

In 1903, at the 14th International Medical Congress in Madrid, Pavlov read a paper on «The Experimental Psychology and Psychopathology of Animals».

It followed from this that the conditioned reflex was a clue to the mechanism of the most highly developed forms of reaction in animals and humans to their environment and it made an objective study of their psychic activity possible.

Subsequently, in a systematic programme of research, Pavlov transformed Sechenov’s theoretical attempt to discover the reflex mechanisms of psychic activity into an experimentally proven theory of conditioned reflexes.

15. Find out main drawbacks of introspection as a method of psychological research.
Merits of Introspection Method: The merits of the introspection method are given below:-

  Introspection is the easiest of all methods of educational psychology.It does not need any tool or laboratory as the subject and the investigator is the same.

  It is the most economical method and one which enables us to know about the mental state of an individual, i.e. his emotions and feelings.

  Introspection, as a method, has generated a lot of research and is used in almost all experimental students.

Drawbacks of Introspection Method: The drawbacks of the introspection method are given below:-

Introspection means looking into-one’s own emotions and feelings, so when one attempts to study one’s mental state, it disappears and therefore it is different to introspect the changing psychological experiences.   

As the subject and investigator is same the introspection becomes subjective and biased and therefore the data may not be reliable and valid. The person may not consider certain facts.

The introspection method cannot be done by abnormal individuals and children.

A person should be highly trained and skilled to introspect properly.

According to Kant, a famous scholar, it is not possible to accept conscious experience as the subject matter of psychology and then consider introspection as its proper method.

• Introspection is the oldest method of educational psychology.

• Introspection means ‘self observation’, i.e. to look into one’s own mental state.

• Introspection means examining the inner behaviour of an individual by oneself.

• Introspection is the easiest and most economical of all methods of educational psychology.

• In this method the individual is both the subject and the observer.

• Introspection has generated a lot of research in experimental studeies.

•The data collected through the introspection method may not be reliable as an individual’s mental state is changeable.

•The introspection method can not be done by abnormal people and children