Week 6 Structuralism And Functionalism Flashcards
Structuralism
Who is the founder of Structuralism?
E.B. Titchener
What is the main goal of Structuralism?
To identify the nature and number of mental elements by analyzing immediate conscious experience.
What is Objective Introspection?
A method where individuals systematically observe and report their own mental processes in response to stimuli.
What are the elements of human conscious experience in Structuralism?
Sensations (basic elements of perception), Images (basic elements of ideas), and Affective states (basic elements of emotions).
Why did Structuralism focus only on the “generalized adult mind”?
Titchener believed only adults could be trained to introspect properly, excluding children, the mentally ill, and animals.
What did Titchener’s lab focus on in experimental psychology?
Qualitative and quantitative experiments on sensory, perceptual, and affective experiences.
Functionalism
What does Functionalism focus on in psychology?
The purpose of mental processes and behavior, particularly in adapting to the environment.
How is Functionalism related to Darwinian thinking?
Functionalism examines how consciousness and behavior are useful for survival and adaptation.
Who were key figures in the Chicago school of Functionalism?
John Dewey, James R. Angell, and Harvey Carr.
What was John Dewey’s contribution to Functionalism?
The Reflex Arc article, arguing against breaking down behavior into components and instead seeing it as an integrated whole.
What was Edward Thorndike’s research focus?
Puzzle box studies with cats, which led to the laws of effect and exercise, principles of trial-and-error learning.
What is the Law of Effect in Functionalism?
Actions that result in satisfying outcomes are likely to be repeated, while those with unsatisfying outcomes are less likely to be repeated.
How did Robert S. Woodworth contribute to Functionalism?
He introduced the concept of motivation and developed the S-O-R model (Stimulus-Organism-Response), expanding the traditional S-R model.
Contributions and legacy
How did Structuralism contribute to psychology as a scientific discipline?
It emphasized rigorous experimental methodology and the systematic study of conscious experience.
In what ways did Functionalism influence future psychology fields?
It paved the way for behaviorism, cognitive psychology, and applied psychology (e.g., educational, industrial-organizational).
