Publisher's Synopsis
Excerpt from An Introduction to Comparative Psychology
I have laid much stress on the paramount import ance of systematic and sustained Observation as the only safe basis for conclusions concerning the intelli gence of animals. The observations, hereafter de scribed, of the way in which dogs deal with the difficulty of bringing a stick through vertical railings, affords a case in point. But with regard to this case, I should here state that l have received communica tions from two correspondents - Miss M. E. Garnons \villiams and Ouida - describing observations which Show that dogs sometimes meet the difficulty without preliminary bungling. I do not think that such occa sioual observations invalidate the conclusions reached by systematic investigation. I would, however, urge on all those who have the good fortune to witness the performance of some conspicuously intelligent action in any animal, not to rest content with merely record ing it, but to make it the basis of further observation directed to the end of ascertaining its true nature. The records of casual observation are not without their interest but the results of detailed investigation are, for comparative psychology, of far greater value.
I would strongly urge upon my readers the advisa bility of testing, by careful introspection, all my state ments concerning the mental processes of man. Only thus can a valid basis either of appreciation or of criticism be obtained. It must not be forgotten that introspective psychology is an essential preliminary to comparative psychology, and that, if it is to pro duce results of scientific value, it must be based upon exact and oft-repeated observation. Such observa tion, however, requires special training, not less than objective observation in physics or in biology. It would be an inestimable boon to comparative psycho logy, if all those who venture to discuss the problems with which this science deals would submit to some preparatory discipline in the methods and.results of introspective observation.
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