Difference Between Introspection and Retrospection

Introspection vs Retrospection

Introspection and retrospection are two different processes in whichanalysisplays a significant role and the difference between them is in the focus of the analysis. Introspection and retrospection have to 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 hisemotions,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. Through this article, let us examine the difference between introspection and retrospection in depth.

What is Introspection?

Simply, introspection can be defined asthe examination of one’s thoughts. Within this context, the individual examine his feelings, emotions, thoughtsand analyses the meanings behind these thoughts. For example, a person who might feel妒忌of another would examine this emotion that he feels, by exploring it deeper. He will try to figure out why he feels that way and what causes it.

但是，在领域心理学, introspection has been used as a particular technique in order to examine human thoughts. This technique was also known as实验性自我观察. This was used mostly by Wilhelm Wundt in his laboratory experimental contexts.

从更一般的意义上讲，内省可以总结为对人类情绪的检查，以及个人将尝试分析它们的想法。即使在我们的日常生活中，我们也进行内省，以理解我们的情绪和思想。

什么是回顾？

Unlike in introspection where the individual analyses or examines his emotions and thoughts, in retrospection, the focus is not on the present condition but the past. Hence, retrospection can be defined asthe act of looking back at past events. 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回顾事件和在曼回忆说er it unfolded. Here he does not make an attempt 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 ashistory或者考古学. 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. This highlights that introspection and retrospection refer to two different processes.

What is the difference between Introspection and Retrospection?

Definitions of Introspection and Retrospection:

Introspection:Introspection can be defined as the examination of one’s thoughts. In psychology, it is a technique known as experimental self-observation that is used to examine human thoughts.

Retrospection:回顾可以定义为回顾过去的事件并回顾他们展现的方式。

内省和回顾的特征：

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.

考试和分析：

Introspection:在内省，检查和分析很重要。

Retrospection:This may not be so for retrospection. It can be limited to a mere recollection.

Time:

Introspection:In introspection, the focus is in the present.

Retrospection:In retrospection, the focus is in the past.

图像提供：

1. Introspectionby尼古拉斯·托内利（Nicholas A. Tonelli）(CC由2.0)
2. Retrospection, by Thomas Eakins通过Wikicommons（公共领域）