The document is a school project on the topic of self introspection. It includes sections on the historical background of introspection, describing it as examining one's conscious thoughts and feelings. It outlines the steps of introspection as observing, analyzing and reporting one's mental states and feelings. The document also discusses the merits of introspection as an easy method to understand one's mind, but notes its limitations such as being subjective and mental states changing rapidly. It provides solutions like asking reflective questions focused on goals and solutions rather than problems.

1. Bharati Vidyapeeth
english MediuM school,
Balewadi, pune
Topic:- Self Introspection
Project by:
Tanvi Sevak
Roll No. : 14
Class: XII A

2. CONTENTS
certificate of coMpletion
acknowledgeMent
introduction
historical Background
introspection Method
steps of intr0spection
Merits
liMitations
solutions
conclusion
BiBliography

3. CERTIFICATE OF COMPLETION
This is certify that Tanvi Sevak of grade 12th has
completed the English Project on the topic “Self
Introspection” under the guidance of Miss Leena
Pilai (Subject Teacher) during the session 2023-
24.
Signature of
English Teacher Signature of Principal

4. ACKNOWLEDGEMENT
I would like to sincerely thank my English
teacher for her invaluable guidance and
unwavering support that has been instrumental in
shaping this project.
I appreciate the resources and conducive learning
environment provided by Bharati Vidyapeeth,
which have been indispensable for my research
and project work.

6. Introduction
Introspection is the examination of one’s conscious
thoughts and feelings. The process of introspection
relies on the observation of one’s mental state, while
in a spiritual context, it may refer to the examination
of one’s soul. Introspection is closely related to
human self-discovery and is contrasted with external
observation. It generally provides privileged access
to one’s mental states, not mediated by other sources
of knowledge, so that individual experience of the
mind is unique. Introspection can determine any
number of mental states including: sensory,
cognitive, emotional and so forth.

7. Historical Background of
Introspection Method
The word introspection came from
Latin words:
"Intro" - within "spec" - look
Historically introspection is the oldest
method of all, which was formerly
used in philosophy, and then in
psychology to collect data about the
conscious experience of the subject.

8. Introspection Method
Self-examination or inspection of one's thoughts and
feelings.
It may be also called looking within oneself to
experience one's mental state.
Closely related to human self-reflection and is
contrasted with external observation.
Introspection generally provides a privileged
access to one's mental state; It will not
be mediated by other sources of knowledge,
so that the individual experience of the mind is
unique.

9. Steps of Introspection
The Individual:
• Introspects
• Observes
• Analyses
• Report his/her feelings

10. Merits
William James emphasised 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".
This is the easiest method and is readily available to
the individual. Individuals can at any time introspect
about their mental state without involving the use of
any apparatus and without incurring any expenditure.
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

11. the advancement of our systematic knowledge of the
laws and conditions of mental processes.
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.
It is the most economical method and one which
enables us to know about the mental state of an
individual, i.e., emotions and feelings.

12. Limitations
• Human beings are not static like inanimate
objects such as stone or chairs etc. Our
mental process is under constant change so,
when one attempts to introspect, the state of
the mental process disappears and it
becomes a retrospect. It is difficult to
introspect perpetually changing
psychological experiences.
• This method is subjective and lacks
scientific objectivity.
• There are conflicting reports, as regards the
findings collected from different
introspections.
• This method lacks validity and reliability.
• Introspection cannot be employed on
children, abnormal persons and animals.

13. • The introspection method demands a mature,
highly trained and skilled person to
introspect properly.

15. Solution
Ask the Right Self-Reflection Question Instead of
asking why questions, you need to ask questions that
will help you focus on solutions or goals. That’s why
you should try asking what questions. Ask questions
like, “What am I feeling right now?” rather than, “Why
do I feel so terrible?” This kind of thinking can help you
to name your emotions, which has been shown to
reduce negative feelings and attitudes.
Also, avoid asking yourself a problem-centered
question. Don’t ask, “What difficulty am I facing right
now?” Instead, frame the question around a goal, as
in, “What would I like my relationship with my boss to
look like a month from now?” Coaches and counsellors
are learning that solution-focused questions make their
clients feel good, whereas problem-focused questions
make their clients feel less satisfied.

16. If you have a persistent problem on
your mind, ask yourself questions that
shift your focus to its possible
solution. These could be as
straightforward as, “What is one
possible solution to this problem?”
and then, “What is one way I could
start to move toward creating this
solution?”
Using solution-focused questions has
two benefits:
1.It reveals potential answers to the
problems It increases your
confidence in your ability to solve
future dilemmas.
2.A feeling of agency and control
affects your feeling of confidence,
improves your self-worth,19 and
increases the odds you’ll follow-
through on your intentions.

17. Conclusion
Introspection is closely related to
human self-reflection and self-
discovery and is contrasted with
external observation. It generally
provides a privileged access to one's
own mental states, not mediated by
other sources of knowledge, so that
individual experience of the mind is
unique.

18. Bibliography
1.NCERT textbook( Flamingo)
2.www.wikipedia.com
3.Google search engine