Introspection method involves self-examination of one's own thoughts and feelings. It provides privileged access to one's mental states without external observation. The individual introspects, observes, analyzes and reports on their own feelings. While introspection was historically important and generated further objective methods, it is subjective in nature and lacks scientific objectivity due to inconsistencies between reports. Introspection is also difficult due to the changing nature of mental processes and cannot be employed on certain populations like children.

3. Introspection method
Self examination or inspection of one’s own
thoughts and feelings.
It may be also called as looking within
oneself to experience one’s own mental state.
Closely related to human self reflection and
is contrasted with external observation.

4. Introspection generally provides a
privileged access to one’s own mental
states; It will not be mediated by other
sources of knowledge, so that individual
experience of the mind is unique.

5. The individual
• Introspects
• Observes
• Analyses and
• Reports his own feeling.

7. 1. William James emphasizing the importance
of introspection as a method of collecting
data. He said the “introspective observation is
what we have to rely on 1st and foremost and
always”.

8. 2. This is the easiest method and readily
available to the individual. Individual can at
any time introspect about his mental state
without involving the use of any apparatus
and without incurring any expenditure.

9. 3.According to Stout, in introspection we are
concerned with the nature of experience itself
and with the laws of mental process. The
observer in introspection is directed towards the
answering of questions of importance for the
advancement of our systematic knowledge of the
laws and conditions of mental process.

10. 4. Introspection has its historical
importance. It generated research which
resulted gradually in the development of
more objective methods. Introspection is
still used in all experimental studies.

11. 5. 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.

13. 1. Human beings are not static like inanimate objects such
as stone or chairs etc. Our mental process is under constant
change so, when one attempt to introspect, the state of
mental process disappears and it becomes a retrospect. It is
difficult to introspect perpetually changing psychological
experiences.

14. 2. This method is subjective in nature and lacks
scientific objectivity.
3. There are conflicting reports, as regards the
findings collected from different introspectionists.
4. This method lacks validity and reliability.

15. 5. Introspection cannot be employed on
children, abnormal person and animals.
6. Introspection method demand a mature,
highly trained and skilled person to
introspect properly.