Schultz History of Psychology 11e PPT Chapter 06-07-PSYC 490
FUNCTIONALISM
ANTECEDENT INFLUENCES
Page 1
Overview of Functionalism
Focus on the adaptation of behavior and mental processes
Page 2
Topics Covered
Scientist Captivated by Childlike Jenny
The Functionalist Protest
The Evolution Revolution: Charles Darwin (1809-1882)
Individual Differences: Francis Galton (1822-1911)
Animal Psychology and the Development of Functionalism
Selected Discussion Questions
Page 3
Scientist Captivated by Childlike Jenny
Page 4
Childlike Jenny
Jenny: 2-year-old orangutan displayed at London Zoo (1838)
Dressed in girl's dress
Sat at a table and used utensils like a spoon and cup
Understood directions and knew what was prohibited
Page 5
Jenny’s Humanlike Qualities
Exhibited a sense of right and wrong
Could anticipate punishment (e.g., whipping)
Caught attention of Charles Darwin,
Wrote about her intelligence compared to humans
Advocated for humility regarding human origins from animals
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The Functionalist Protest
Page 7
Shift in Psychological Focus
Darwin's impact on psychology:
Attention shifted from structure of consciousness to its functions
Functionalism: Concerns how the mind functions in adapting to the environment
Emphasis on real-world applications
Questions posed:
What does the mind do?
How does it function?
Page 8
The Evolution Revolution: Charles Darwin (1809-1882)
Page 9
Evolutionary Ideas
Evolution: Living organisms change over time
Predates Darwin with ideas from:
Erasmus Darwin: Common ancestry theory
Jean-Baptiste Lamarck: Bodily modifications for adaptation
Charles Lyell: Earth's developmental stages
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Zeitgeist of the Time
Scientific exploration of species (biology)
Questions raised against biblical explanations
How could all species fit in the ark?
Similarities between species (e.g., Jenny)
Fossil discoveries challenging existing species
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Changes in Intellectual Climate
Significant changes observed:
Industrial Revolution
Shifts in values, cultural norms, relationships, and migration
Emergence of a mechanistic spirit
Page 12
Darwin’s Background
Notable ancestry; difficulties in school
Natural history interest
Naturalist on HMS Beagle (1831-1836)
Explored South America and Tahiti
Collected data on flora and fauna
Began formulating evolution theory
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Darwin’s Mental Health
Developed neurotic symptoms post-Beagle journey:
Symptoms: trembling, depression, nausea
Fear of condemnation for his ideas
Worked for 22 years on his landmark book
Motivated by Wallace, another theorist
Page 14
On the Origin of Species
Key points of Darwin’s theory:
Natural selection favors traits suited for the environment
Concept of survival of the fittest
Genetic variation as a law of heredity
Example: Finches’ beaks adapted under environmental pressures
Page 15
Darwin’s Psychological Impact
Increased focus on animal psychology
Shift towards functional analysis of consciousness
Acceptance of diverse methodologies
Description and measurement of individual differences emphasized
Page 16
INDIVIDUAL DIFFERENCES: FRANCIS GALTON (1822-1911)
Page 17
Overview of Galton’s Work
Focused on mental inheritance and individual differences
Researched genius and mental capacities
Influenced by zeitgeist similar to Huarte's studies on talented individuals
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Mental Inheritance
Examined examples of genius through history
Argued genius is inherited
Introduced eugenics concepts to improve inherited traits
Suggested intelligence testing with financial incentives for high scores
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Statistical Methods
Developed statistical techniques to analyze data
Utilized the normal curve to describe mental characteristics
Correlation applied to study relationships between variables
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Mental Tests
Assumed motor skills linked to intelligence
Introduced mental tests focusing on sensory and motor skills
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Anthropometric Laboratory
Established to collect data on human psychometric capacities
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Galton’s Additional Research Areas
Association of Ideas: Studied diversity in associations and reaction time
Mental Imagery: Found mental imagery fits a normal curve
Explored unique topics (e.g., counting by odors)
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ANIMAL PSYCHOLOGY AND FUNCTIONALISM
Page 24
Role of Animal Psychology
Darwin's theories fostered interest in animal behavior
No sharp distinction between humans and animals
Learning from animal functionality to understand human processes
Page 25
George John Romanes
Authored Animal Intelligence, the first comparative psychology book
Created the "mental ladder" classification of animals by mental function
Utilized anecdotal observations and introspection through analogy
Page 26
C. Lloyd Morgan
Critiqued anecdotal methods and introspection by analogy
Proposed Law of Parsimony: Animal behavior should not attribute higher mental processes when simpler explanations suffice
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FUNCTIONALISM: DEVELOPMENT AND FOUNDING
Page 28
Topics Overview
Evolution’s Neurotic Philosopher: Herbert Spencer (1820-1903)
Evolution’s Arrival in America: Social Darwinism
Continued Evolution of Machines
William James: Anticipator of Functional Psychology
Functional Inequality of Women
Page 29
More Topics
Contributions of Granville Stanley Hall (1844-1924)
Founding of Functionalism
The Chicago School: Key figures included John Dewey, James Rowland Angell, Harvey A. Carr
Page 30
The Final Form of Functionalism
Functionalism at Columbia University
Key contributors: Robert Sessions Woodworth
Critiques and Contributions of Functionalism
Page 31
Evolution's Neurotic Philosopher
Page 32
Herbert Spencer
Suffered neurotic symptoms affecting work hours
Symptoms included sensitivity to noise, insomnia, and depression
Influential philosopher with widely read works, included in university curricula
Page 33
Social Darwinism and Spencer
Known for Social Darwinism: philosophy framing evolution in human character and institutions
Advocated non-intervention from the state in the survival of the fittest
Resonated well with American values (individualism, enterprise)
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American Reception of Social Darwinism
Compatibility with American ideals:
Free enterprise
Self-sufficiency
Minimal government interference
Spencer's synthetic philosophy correlated knowledge with evolutionary principles
Page 36
Mechanical Evolution
Evolution not only natural but also mechanical
Proposed by Butler concerning machines and competition
Page 37
Innovations in Data Processing
Henry Hollerith: Inventor of an efficient census processing system using punched cards
Developed for a more efficient counting of demographics
Hollerith's enterprise evolved into IBM
Page 39
William James and Functional Psychology
James as the American precursor to functional psychology
Did not directly establish functional psychology, but influenced its trajectory
Criticized for interests in non-scientific phenomena (e.g., telepathy, spiritualism)
Page 40
James's Multidisciplinary Background
Explored medicine, biology, and literature before committing to psychology
Experienced neurasthenia, a nervous condition common at the time
Published The Principles of Psychology, a crucial contribution to the field
Page 41
A New Perspective on Consciousness
James viewed psychology as the study of mental life and its phenomena
Critiqued Wundt's approach, emphasizing a continuous flow of consciousness
Introduced the concept of a "stream of consciousness"
Page 42
Methods in Psychology
Advocated for introspection as a core method
Emphasized the importance of the experimental method but acknowledged its avoidance
Differentiated between structuralism and functionalism, with functionalism embracing multiple methods
Page 43
Pragmatism and Emotion Theory
Pragmatism: Validity of ideas based on practical outcomes
Emotional Theory: Countered prevailing ideas; suggested physical responses precede emotional experiences
This laid the groundwork for the James-Lange theory of emotions
Page 44
James's Concept of Self and Habit
Proposed three components of self:
Material: possessions
Social: recognition from others
Spiritual: inner essence
Habit: emphasis on physiological impact of repetitive actions influencing behavior
Page 46
The Functional Inequality of Women
Page 47
Contributions of Mary Whiton Calkins
Student of James, developed paired-associate technique for studying memory
First woman president of the APA
Challenged variability hypothesis regarding gender differences in development
Page 48
Contributions of Helen Woolley
First experimental study testing Darwinian notions of female inferiority
Results: no significant differences in emotional or intellectual abilities between genders
Cited social factors as influences on perceived differences
Page 49
Contributions of Leta Stetter Hollingworth
Researched the variability hypothesis extensively
Found no evidence of female inferiority, refuting the claim
Noted menstrual cycles have no significant impact on performance
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GRANVILLE STANLEY HALL (1844-1924)
Page 51
Hall's Achievements
First American doctoral degree in psychology
Established the first psychology laboratory in the U.S.
First president of Clark University and a key figure in applying psychology
Page 52
Hall’s Theories
Focused on evolutionary theory regarding mental growth stages
Developed recapitulation theory: children’s development parallels human evolution
Controversial aspects in focus on adolescence and sexuality
Page 53
The Founding of Functionalism
Page 54
Emergence of Functionalism
Not intentionally created but emerged as a reaction to Wundt’s structural limitations
No single form; focused on mental functions and real-world applications
Page 55
The Chicago School
Key figures in functionalism included Dewey, Angell, along with James
Contributed significantly to the establishment of functionalism
Page 56
John Dewey (1859-1952)
Applied psychology to educational and philosophical issues
Developed the reflex arc concept, emphasizing holistic experiences
Page 57
James Rowland Angell (1869-1949)
Authored textbooks that encapsulated functionalist approaches
Defined psychology's goal: support organisms in adjusting to their environments
Page 58
Contributions of Harvey A. Carr
Expanded on Angell’s theories, solidified functionalism's role
Marked the point where functionalism was established without needing to fight against structuralist ideas
Page 63
Functionalism: The Final Form
Defined psychology as the study of mental activities: memory, perception, feeling, and judgment
Purpose of mental activities: managing experiences to influence actions
Page 66
Functionalism at Columbia University
Emerged with its form at Columbia, led by several key figures
James McKeen Cattell and E.L. Thorndike were notable contributors
Page 67
Robert Sessions Woodworth (1869-1962)
Developed dynamic psychology, focusing on motivation and behaviors
Extended psychology by integrating different elements instead of strictly opposing views
Page 69
Criticisms of Functionalism
Primarily stemmed from structuralist perspectives
Concerns over functionalism’s deviance from introspection as a valid psychological method
Page 71
Contributions of Functionalism
Significance of shift from structure to function noted:
Research expanded to animal behavior, child psychology, and mental disabilities
Incorporation of diverse data collection methods (mental tests, questionnaires)
By 1930, functionalism established its victory over structuralism.