Unit 1: Functionalism & Social Psychology - Quick Notes

  • Functionalism

    • Timeframe: late 19th – early 20th centuries
    • Core idea: understand functions and purposes of mental processes and behaviors; adaptive in context of environment; brain adapts to environment
    • Contrast: developed as a response to structuralism (focus on the structure of consciousness and introspection)
    • View of consciousness: continuous flow of thoughts; study its functions and how they serve daily needs
    • Key figure: William James (Father of American Psychology)

  • Social psychology: Influences

    • Focus: individuals influenced by others in different social contexts
    • Pioneers: Solomon Asch, Stanley Milgram, Philip Zimbardo
    • Core topics: conformity, obedience, power of situational factors
    • Implications: prejudice, group dynamics, social cognition, social norms
    • Applications: marketing, organizational behavior, societal issues

  • Leadership quote

    • "If your actions inspire others to dream more, learn more, do more, and become more, you are a leader." — John Quincy Adams