What method did early psychologists use to explore mental processes?

The method that early psychologists used to explore mental processes was analytic introspection. This approach involved trained participants describing their conscious experiences in response to stimuli. It was based on the belief that by examining one's own thoughts and feelings, individuals could reveal the processes underlying their mental activities.

Analytic introspection was significant during the early stages of psychology, particularly within the structuralist movement, which aimed to break down mental processes into their most basic elements. By eliciting detailed verbal reports from participants about their internal experiences, researchers sought to gain insights into cognition, perception, and sensation. This method laid the groundwork for understanding how mental processes can be studied in a systematic way, even though it had limitations, such as subjectivity and variability in individual responses.

In contrast, behavioral analysis focuses primarily on observable behavior rather than internal mental states. Empirical observation emphasizes gathering data through measurable and observable phenomena, often in more structured environments. Qualitative assessment, while it might involve subjective responses, typically refers to non-quantitative methods that are broader than the specific requirements of analytic introspection. Thus, the use of analytic introspection was unique in its direct attempt to access and describe the inner workings of the mind.