History of Psychology_Chap 7 Structuralism and Functionalism

Overview of Psychology History

• Focus on key figures and concepts in the evolution of psychology.

• Distinction between Structuralism and Functionalism as major schools of thought.

Mary Whiton Calkins

• Proposed reconciliation between Structuralism and Functionalism.

• Identified the self as a fundamental starting point.

Structuralism vs. Functionalism

Structuralism

• Main Goal: Analyze the mind into its structural elements.

• E.B. Titchener emphasized structure over function, opposed application research.

• Structuralism drew parallels to biology, akin to anatomy focusing on analysis.

• Not widely accepted in America.

  • Titchener's Research Program:

    • Involved qualitative and quantitative research detailed in "Experimental Psychology: A Manual of Laboratory Practice".

    • Focused on introspection as methodology, highlighting structured observation.

Functionalism

• Main Goal: Understand how the mind functions in daily life without exclusive focus on structures.

• Most American psychologists gravitated towards Functionalism.

• Notable schools: Chicago and Columbia.

• A movement reflecting broader American interests in practicality and individual differences.

E.B. Titchener (1867-1927)

Biography

• Grew up under his grandfather's care, excelling in the classics and philosophy.

• Influenced by Wundt's physiological psychology, focused on detailed laboratory work.

• Became a charter member of APA, later established a private group for experimental psychology.

Contributions

• Identified three elementary mental processes:

  • Sensations: Elements of perception (quality, intensity, duration)

  • Images: Components of ideas (quality, intensity, duration)

  • Affects: Building blocks of emotions (pleasant/unpleasant quality, intensity, duration)

• Advocated for a pure laboratory science to discover the structure of consciousness.

• Structuralism’s limitations included exclusion of applied psychology and individual differences.

Functionalism

• Emerged as a response to societal changes post-Civil War (1861-1865).

• Influenced by wider social dynamics like industrialization, naturalism, and social Darwinism.

• Key Themes:

  • Emphasis on individual differences and practical applications of psychology.

  • Growing belief in the necessity of studying children's, animals', and the mentally ill's psychology.

Key Figures in Functionalism

John Dewey (1859-1952)

• Promoted functionalism through his work "The Reflex Arc Concept in Psychology".

• Advocated for viewing reflexes as integrated wholes instead of disjointed components.

• Contributed significantly to educational reform and progressive education.

James R. Angell (1869-1949)

• Worked with John Dewey; defined functional psychology focusing on understanding mental operations.

• Emphasized observational methods over Titchener’s introspection.

Harvey Carr (1873-1954)

• Known for maze experiments and textbook contributions.

• Helped foster the Chicago functionalism movement through educational influence.

James McKeen Cattell (1860-1944)

• Introduced the term "mental test" and advocated for psychological testing.

• Criticized for the lack of empirical evidence between test measures and performance.

• Pioneered the role of psychology in professional settings.

Edward L. Thorndike (1874-1949)

• Explored learning through his puzzle box experiments with cats, contributing to comparative psychology.

• Introduced the Law of Effect and the Law of Exercise in learning theory.

Robert S. Woodworth (1869-1962)

• Made notable contributions to the study of dynamic psychology and transfer of learning.

• Advocated for a comprehensive approach in psychology integrating stimuli, response, and organism factors.

Future Directions in Psychology

• Move towards applied psychology in the 20th century.

• Introduction of Binet’s methodology and workplace applications through figures like Munsterberg.

• Emphasis on practical applications reflecting the American character.