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Introspection

Introspection is the direct observation of one's own mind and its processes, as opposed to extrospection, the observation of things external to one's mind.

Cognitive psychology accepts the use of the scientific method, but rejects introspection as a valid method of investigation. It should be noted that Herbert Simon and Allen Newell identified the 'thinking-aloud' protocol, in which investigators view a subject engaged in introspection, and who speaks his thoughts aloud, thus allowing study of his introspection.

See also: Type introspection