American Psychology and Functionalism

Flashcards covering key concepts, figures, and theories from the lecture on American Psychology and Functionalism.

Functionalism

A school of psychology that focuses on the function of mental processes and behavior in enabling organisms to adapt to their environment.

Pragmatism

The belief that the validity of an idea depends on its practical effectiveness and outcomes.

Stream of consciousness

William James's concept describing a continuous flow of thoughts and experiences, personal to the individual.

Recapitulation theory

The idea that the development of an individual mimics the evolutionary development of the species.

Dynamic psychology

A branch of psychology focused on understanding the motivations behind behavior.

Adaptive act

A behavioral process that involves a motive, an environmental setting, and a response that satisfies the motive.

James's three components of self

Material self (external identity), social self (identity as perceived by others), and spiritual self (subjective consciousness).

Law of effect

The principle stating that behaviors followed by satisfying outcomes are strengthened, while those followed by annoying outcomes are weakened.

Elementary vs. Functional Psychology

Functional psychology opposes the elementarism of structuralism and focuses on the function of the mind rather than its content.

William James

An influential psychologist known for his work on pragmatism, consciousness, and the principles of psychology.