* Subjectivity is inherent: Introspection, by its very nature, is subjective. Our inner experiences are personal and can be influenced by a range of factors like memory biases, emotional states, and individual interpretation.
* Lack of reliability: Even if a person is trying to be objective, their introspection is likely to be inconsistent and unreliable. It's difficult to observe and report on our own mental processes in a standardized way.
* No external verification: There's no way to objectively verify or validate the results of introspection. This makes it difficult to compare observations across individuals and build a scientific understanding of mental phenomena.
Instead of "objective introspection," psychologists rely on other methods:
* Behavioral observation: This involves observing and measuring people's actions and reactions in different situations.
* Physiological measures: Techniques like fMRI, EEG, and heart rate monitoring can provide objective data about brain activity and bodily responses.
* Self-reports: Structured questionnaires and surveys allow individuals to report on their thoughts, feelings, and experiences in a standardized way.
In summary, "objective introspection" is a problematic concept because it attempts to reconcile the inherent subjectivity of introspection with the need for objectivity in scientific research. Psychologists now use more robust and scientifically validated methods to study the mind.