Structuralism in Psychology

Questions and Answers

Who is credited with developing the approach to the study of internal mental processes known as Structuralism?

Edward B. Titchener (correct)

William Wundt

Sigmund Freud

B.F. Skinner

What was the primary focus of Structuralism?

The study of the elements of consciousness (correct)

The study of abnormal behavior

The study of the human mind

The study of the brain's physical structure

What was Titchener's definition of Psychology?

The study of the human brain's physical structure

The analytic study of the generalized adult normal human mind through introspection (correct)

The study of mental disorders

The study of human behavior

What was the main objective of Titchener's approach to Psychology?

To study the elements of consciousness Signup and view all the answers

What was Titchener's view on the nature of consciousness?

Consciousness is the sum total of a person's experiences at any given time Signup and view all the answers

What was the ultimate goal of Titchener's approach to Psychology?

To understand the human mind and its structure Signup and view all the answers

How did Titchener's approach to Psychology differ from Wundt's approach?

Titchener's approach focused on the study of elements, while Wundt's approach focused on the study of the whole Signup and view all the answers

What was the outcome of Titchener's approach to Psychology?

The division of psychology into various areas, including child, animal, abnormal, and human psychology Signup and view all the answers

According to functionalism, what triggers the process of thinking?

The presence of a challenging situation requiring problem-solving. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following statements accurately reflects the core principle of functionalism?

The purpose of mental processes is to adapt to the environment and solve problems. Signup and view all the answers

In what way did functionalism represent a departure from the ideas of Wundt and Titchener?

Functionalism adopted a more holistic approach to understanding the mind, rather than focusing on individual elements. Signup and view all the answers

What analogy did James use to describe the brain's function in his theory of functionalism?

A computer program executing instructions. Signup and view all the answers

How did functionalism influence the development of psychology?

It promoted the study of mental processes in real-world contexts. Signup and view all the answers

What is the key difference between functionalism and structuralism in terms of their understanding of consciousness?

Functionalism emphasizes the purpose of consciousness, while structuralism focuses on its basic components. Signup and view all the answers

According to James, what role does the environment play in shaping mental states?

The environment provides the raw materials for mental processes. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Schools of Thought in Psychology

The first two schools of thought in Psychology were Structuralism and Functionalism.

Structuralism

Attributed to Edward B. Titchener (1867-1927)
Defined Psychology as the analytic study of the generalized adult normal human mind through introspection
Subject of Psychology is the immediate experiences of human beings
Main occupation of practicing psychologist is to work hard and discover the elements and the manner in which they are compounded
Became popular in Germany in the 1890's among young psychologists
Sought to explain mental processes by studying the elements
Consciousness is the sum total of a person's experiences at any given time
Mental elements are the focus of any study
Divided psychology into parts, including child, animal, abnormal, and human psychology
Believed the main objective of psychology is to study and understand the human mind and structure

Functionalism

Developed in the United States of America, led by William James (1842-1910) at Harvard University
Advocated that engagement with activity is essential to the explanation of internal mental processes
Thinking takes place when an organism is thwarted by some external force or obstacle
Brain is the physical device with mental substrates that perform computations on inputs, producing behaviors
Focused on the effective functions of the brain through its organization (software programs)
Mental states are constituted by their casual relationships to one another and to sensory inputs and behavioral outputs
Psychology as a science should focus on the usefulness of mental abilities, such as learning or perception

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Description

Learn about the first school of thought in Psychology, Structuralism, and its approach to studying internal mental processes through introspection. Understand the definition of Psychology according to Edward B. Titchener.