Hello, can anyone help me with two questions. How did the perspectives of
empiricism and structuralism lead to the
development of American functionalism?
Does American functionalism differ significantly from its European heritage.
Locate a scholarly, peer-reviewed journal article in the Ashford University Library. This article must be an original research project published within the past five years. The study should illustrate one of the following conditioning principles: contingency,
Hello! I'd be happy to help you with your questions.
1. How did the perspectives of empiricism and structuralism lead to the development of American functionalism?
Empiricism and structuralism played significant roles in the development of American functionalism. Empiricism is the philosophical position that knowledge comes primarily from sensory experience. It emphasizes the importance of observation and experimentation in understanding the world. Structuralism, on the other hand, is a method of analyzing phenomena by breaking them down into their constituent parts and studying their relationships and structures.
In the late 19th and early 20th centuries, American psychologists, influenced by the ideas of British empiricists and European structuralists, sought to establish psychology as a scientific discipline. They believed that the study of consciousness, perception, and behavior should be based on empirical evidence and focused on the structures and functions of the mind.
This led to the development of American functionalism, a psychological theory that emphasized the practical functions of mental processes and their adaptive purposes in helping individuals to navigate their environment. Functionalists argued that the mind should be studied in terms of its ability to perform useful functions, rather than solely examining its underlying structures or dissecting it into separate components.
2. Does American functionalism differ significantly from its European heritage?
While American functionalism was influenced by European ideas, it diverged in certain ways. One key distinction lies in the approach to psychology itself. European psychology, particularly the structuralist school of thought, focused more on the analysis of the structures of the mind and the identification of its basic elements. In contrast, American functionalism emphasized understanding the functions and purpose of mental processes, as well as the practical applications of psychology.
Another difference is the emphasis on applied psychology in American functionalism. Functionalists believed that understanding mental processes should extend beyond theoretical research to address practical issues, such as educational reform, workplace productivity, and individual and societal well-being. This focus on the application of psychological principles distinguished American functionalism from many European psychological schools of thought at the time.
In summary, American functionalism was influenced by both empiricism and structuralism, which led to its emphasis on studying the practical functions of mental processes. While it shared some similarities with its European heritage, American functionalism differed by placing greater importance on applied psychology and the practical application of psychological knowledge.