Functionalism in Psychology

Vocabulary terms and definitions related to the history and core concepts of Functionalism as presented in the lecture.

Functionalism

A new approach to psychology that emerged in the United States at the end of the 19th century, prioritizing the functional utility of the mind over exclusively theoretical and academic research.

William James

A precursor of functionalism (1842-1910) who was interested in the flow of consciousness and integrated pragmatism with Spencer's Evolutionism.

Stream of consciousness

A concept by William James suggesting that consciousness flows continuously and cannot be decomposed into elements without losing its reality.

Pragmatism

A philosophical approach integrated into functionalism that defines truth through its functionality and utility; truth is what eventually prevails in practice.

Structuralism

A psychological approach focused on investigating the constitutive structural principles of the human mind, which functionalists found less attractive than a practical, useful psychology.

Evolutionism

The influence of Spencer on functionalism that emphasizes survival and how a subject reacts to their environment.

Applied Psychologists

A role adopted by functionalists who focused on practical aspects like creating optimal learning conditions or selecting suitable workers for specific jobs.

James Rowland Angell

The individual whose appointment as president of the American Psychological Association in 1906 marked the maximum level of functionalism's influence.

University of Chicago and Columbia University

The two primary institutions with which functionalism was strongly associated, represented by James Rowland Angell and Robert Woodworth respectively.

Relativism (in Functionalism)

A characteristic of functionalist thought where truth is modified and evolves as circumstances change, rather than being a fixed absolute.