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Introspection
A method of experimental research in which a participant self-observes inner, conscious sensations and perceptions (Wundt, 1888) (the term is derived from the German word Selbstbeobachtung). While the method can be dated as far back as Socrates, it was Wilhelm Wundt who employed the method in an experimental setting in 1879. As a result, Wundt was credited with establishing the first experimental psychology laboratory. In recent times, a similar method has been popularized by cognitive psychology experiments, coined “thinking-aloud” protocols, in which the participant has to think aloud while participating in experimental research. This method allows experimenters to observe the introspective act and is closely related to the concept of metacognition. For more information, see Wundt (1888).