English project (Rough draft):

Introspection and retrospection

Aim:

To understand the meaning of introspection and retrospection deeply in the

context of modern psychology and how are they different from each other.
Action plan:
Objective: finding out what role does introspection and retrospection play in
psychology and in one’s life. What makes these two methods different from
each other.
Steps to reach the final goal:
1. Collecting resources.
2. Extracting the necessary information.
3. Putting those materials in order.
4. Drawing conclusions from the information collected.
Materials:
Physical materials:
 Materials for writing
 Writing instruments.
Digital materials:
 Research papers
 Informative websites
ESSAY:
Introduction
So, what does introspection and retrospection mean?
Starting with introspection, it is a process that involves looking inward to
examine one's own thoughts and emotions. The term is often used in everyday
language to refer to the informal process of exploring one's inner life, but the
term also applies to a more formalized process that was once used as an
experimental technique in psychology.
The experimental use of introspection is like what you might do when you
analyze your own thoughts and feelings but in a much more structured and
rigorous way.
The term introspection is also used to describe a research technique that was
first developed by psychologist Wilhelm Wundt. Also known as experimental
self-observation, Wundt's technique involved training people to carefully and
objectively as possible to analyze the content of their own thoughts.
The process of thinking about past events can be called retrospection. For
example, an individual who recalls the first day of school, the day he got
married, the day he graduated is engaging in a process of retrospection. This is
not necessarily limited to blissful events in a person’s life. It can even be painful
memories such as the death of a close relative or a breakup, etc.
In retrospection, the person looks back at the event and recalls it in the manner
it unfolded. Here he does not try to analyze the feelings or thoughts, but simply
recalls. However, it is possible that the individual can become overwhelmed
with emotion as a result of recollection. Retrospection is vital not only in the
day-to-day life, but also in certain disciplines such as history or archaeology. This
is because in these disciplines, the subject matter lies in the past. Nevertheless,
retrospection in this context is very much different to individual retrospection.
Difference b/w introspection and retrospection
Introspection and retrospection must be viewed as two conscious processes
made by an individual although the results of these two processes are different
from one another. In introspection, the individual looks at his emotions, feelings
and thoughts. He explores these aspects deeply and engages in an analysis.
However, retrospection is different. In this case, the individual looks back at his
past events. It can be a painful or a happy memory. This is the main difference
between these two processes.
Characteristics of introspection and retrospection:
Conscious Process:
Introspection and retrospection refer to two different processes that take place
consciously.
Focus:
Introspection: In introspection, the person looks at his feelings, thoughts, and
emotions.
Retrospection: In retrospection, the person looks at past events.
Examination and Analysis:
Introspection: In introspection, examination and analysis are important.
Retrospection: This may not be so for retrospection. It can be limited to a mere
recollection.
Time:
Introspection: In introspection, the focus is on the present.
Retrospection: In retrospection, the focus is on the past.
Modern day uses:
Introspection is used today in therapy for people looking within themselves,
figuring out who they are and what behaviors help or hinder them. The role of
introspection in therapy is to help people come to terms with what's working
for them and what isn't.
Retrospection is used widely in many areas of work such as archeology or
criminology or individually. A Retrospective Study is a kind of research design
where the investigators study a phenomenon by looking back at events that
have already happened.
For example, to look at the relationship between serial killers and child abuse,
the investigators will identify convicted serial killers, and find out which of them
have a history of being abused as children.
How these methods can it be used in normal human life
It is extremely important that we take a moment out of our regular life to clarify
our values in a moment of chaos or uncertainty. Self-reflection & introspection
is a mechanism to scrutinize your internal feelings by going inward, which helps
you to rebuild your lost relation with your own self. It helps you to seek a
solution to your problems which largely is your own making. Self-assessment is
an exercise which gives you the real picture of how you are conducting your life,
it is a question mark on your life itself, until you ask some hard questions you
may seldom find the right approach, to grow in your life.
Living in the present is long glorified, but to remember the mistakes of our past
is what can set us on a corrective course of action, which can open possibilities
and doors which refused to budge before. Retrospection can help us to do that.
It reveals your strengths, it reveals your weaknesses, it reveals where you stand
on most things today, it reveals the truth. Not the absolute truth of life, for
there isn't any, but the truth of your life, the truth about you, about the
presence of which, there is no denying.
Reflection
It was interesting to dive deep into these concepts which are rarely talked
about. Not only is it important to be aware of the existence of these
psychological methods, but it is also as important to use them actively for
time to time to have a deeper connection with yourself and to explore your
own individualism.
Bibliography:
https://www.verywellmind.com/what-is-introspection-2795252
https://www.differencebetween.com/difference-between-introspection-and-
vs-retrospection/
https://hackernoon.com/why-introspection-is-crucial-for-all-3df9c21cd8e4
https://www.iuemag.com/l17/di/inspiration-to-retrospect-6-reasons-
retrospection-is-key-to-greatness-i