“Experimental Psychology” by Robert Sessions Woodworth and Harold Schlosberg, published in 1954 by Oxford and IBH Publishing, is a foundational textbook offering a comprehensive overview of experimental psychology. The book is structured into sections that cover the fundamental principles, history, and various phenomena within the field.
Key areas include sensory processes and perception, where Woodworth and Schlosberg delve into the mechanisms of sensation and the interpretation of sensory information. They extensively cover visual, auditory, and other sensory systems and related psychological theories.
The book also addresses learning and memory, exploring classical and operant conditioning, problem-solving, and concept formation. Detailed discussions on memory include types, encoding, storage, and retrieval processes.
Emotions and motivation are another focal point, with the authors examining the physiological and psychological aspects of emotions and the role of motivation in behavior. They also discuss cognitive processes like thinking, reasoning, and decision-making, reviewing experimental methods and their implications.
A significant emphasis is placed on experimental design and methodology, stressing the importance of controlled conditions, precise measurement, and careful data analysis. This focus on methodological rigor has made the book a valuable resource for students and researchers.