Edward Titchener

Edward Titchener was a British psychologist and a prominent figure in the field of structuralism. He was born on January 11, 1867, in Chichester, England, and is known for advancing the theories and methods of introspection.

Background

Titchener studied at Malvern College before attending Oxford University, where he was introduced to the field of psychology. After completing his studies, he moved to the United States in 1892 and became a professor at Cornell University, where he spent the rest of his academic career.

Structuralism

Titchener is mainly associated with structuralism, a psychological school of thought that focused on the analysis of the basic elements of consciousness. He believed that by breaking down conscious experiences into their constituent parts through introspection, the underlying structure of the mind could be uncovered.

Introspection

Titchener emphasized the use of introspection as a research method, whereby individuals would reflect upon and report their own conscious experiences. He believed that through rigorous training, these introspective observations could provide insights into the structure of the mind.

Legacy

Titchener’s ideas and teachings had a profound impact on the early development of psychology as a scientific discipline. While structuralism eventually declined in popularity, his influence on experimental psychology and the emphasis on rigorous empirical investigation remained significant.