Koffka. [Self-observation and the method of psychology]

Abstract:
The article describes the difficulties encountered when using the method of self-observation (the need for a criterion for distinguishing reliable and erroneous observations or experiences that are subject to them, provided that they are observed for a long time; all descriptions of self-observation are given in terms of clear experiences). Behaviorism is described as method that avoids difficulties of self-observation, but is similar to them. The principles of gestalt-psychology are described too, in connection with the difficulties of the method of self-observation. 4 main directions of transformation of the elements of the whole as its organic parts are described here: simplification, structuring, unification, amplification. The general principles of reliable self-observation are given too. Author postulates, that analytical observation, where it relates to mental facts, is not the only method, or even a method worthy of preference, and physical and mental behavior, are facts that make up only part of a larger whole. These integers, being real, do not open to analytical observation. However, in many cases, the change made by self-observation gives us the opportunity to more clearly see the goal towards which development is tending and at the same time the distance between the goal and the main data.