Idiographic microgenesis: Re-visiting the experimental tradition of aktualgenese

Abstract

This chapter tries to shed light on how people think in a 'here-and-now' context by taking a historic approach that revisits the microgenetic traditions from the standpoint of the early 20th century Leipzig circle of psychologists - thus, in the form of Aktualgenese (or actual genesis). Wilhelm Wundt's work in regard to the later emerging Aktualgenese studies is considered, as well as the methodological impact of the Würzburg school of psychology. Furthermore, a recount of the first studies for both visual (Wohlfahrt) and auditory (Werner) Aktualgenese is provided. Finally, in an effort to expand on the previous studies, the second half of this chapter outlines the psychological components involved during a microgenetic event. These components are examined in detail via narratives from the perspective of synthesis transformations. © 2009 Springer-Verlag New York.