Who is associated with using introspection as a basic research tool to study inner sensations?

The correct association with using introspection as a basic research tool to study inner sensations is Edward Titchener. Titchener was a student of Wilhelm Wundt, who is often considered the father of experimental psychology. He brought the concept of introspection to the forefront of psychology through his work in structuralism, which aimed to break down consciousness into its basic components.

Introspection involves a method of self-observation where individuals report their thoughts and feelings in response to stimuli. This was pivotal in Titchener's approach to understanding the structure of the mind and how various sensations contribute to conscious experience. His focus on precise descriptions of experiences allowed for a more systematic study of the inner workings of the mind, which was a cornerstone of his psychological research.

While other figures such as William James and Sigmund Freud contributed significantly to psychology, their primary methods of inquiry differed from Titchener's introspective approach. James emphasized functionalism, focusing on the purpose of mental processes, and Freud developed psychoanalysis, which explored the unconscious mind and its influence on behavior. Carl Rogers, associated with humanistic psychology, aimed at understanding behavior through subjective experiences but did not primarily rely on introspection as a research tool in the same manner as Titchener.