Module 4-4 Functionalism

FunctionalismFunctionalism

Module 4 - 4Module 4 - 4

History & SystemsHistory & Systems

OnlineOnline

DefinitionDefinition

“…“…the psychological orientation that the psychological orientation that stresses stresses

the the function or utilityfunction or utility of the of the behavior and consciousnessbehavior and consciousness

of organismsof organisms

in their in their adaptationadaptation

to theto the

environment.”environment.”

Reasons for the Rise of Reasons for the Rise of Functionalism in the U.S. Functionalism in the U.S.

(early 1900’s)(early 1900’s) Dissatisfaction with limitations of Dissatisfaction with limitations of

StructuralismStructuralism Moral, Social, Educational Climate Moral, Social, Educational Climate

IdealismIdealism Feelings of Moral and Economic SuperiorityFeelings of Moral and Economic Superiority Growth of American UniversitiesGrowth of American Universities Desire for development of an “American Desire for development of an “American

Psychology”Psychology” Philosophy of PragmatismPhilosophy of Pragmatism

Emphasis on practicality and the “how” of Emphasis on practicality and the “how” of experience and behaviorexperience and behavior

Description of Description of FunctionalismFunctionalism

More of a general orientation than a “school”More of a general orientation than a “school” Origins:Origins:

GaltonGalton’s work’s work Mental inheritance, individual differences, mental testsMental inheritance, individual differences, mental tests Statistical analysis Statistical analysis

DarwinDarwin’s (more important) work’s (more important) work Evolutionary theory Evolutionary theory Studies on animal behaviorStudies on animal behavior

Titchener “named it,” in order to differentiate Titchener “named it,” in order to differentiate it from his theory of structuralismit from his theory of structuralism

Galton & DarwinGalton & Darwin

Francis Galton (1822 – Francis Galton (1822 – 1911)1911)

Galton’s Mental Galton’s Mental InheritanceInheritance

The occurrence of “greatness” in familiesThe occurrence of “greatness” in families Cannot be explained by environment. Cannot be explained by environment. Genius is hereditary…Genius is hereditary…

Goal: “Goal: “EugenicsEugenics” ” Encourage the birth of the more eminent/fit Encourage the birth of the more eminent/fit Discourage the birth of the unfitDiscourage the birth of the unfit

His goal led to work in measurement and His goal led to work in measurement and statistics…to statistics…to help identify the “fit” help identify the “fit” individualsindividuals

Originated “Mental Tests”Originated “Mental Tests”

Galton: SummaryGalton: Summary An “extremely gifted person” whose An “extremely gifted person” whose

interests surpassed a single discipline; but interests surpassed a single discipline; but not really a psychologist, anthropologist, not really a psychologist, anthropologist, or even eugenicist.or even eugenicist.

Conducted original research which Conducted original research which became topics of interest to psychologists: became topics of interest to psychologists: Adaptation, heredity vs. environment, Adaptation, heredity vs. environment,

comparison of species, child development, comparison of species, child development, questionnaire method, statistical techniques, questionnaire method, statistical techniques, mental tests and individual differences.mental tests and individual differences.

Had a greater impact on American Had a greater impact on American Psychology than did Wilhelm Wundt.Psychology than did Wilhelm Wundt.

(Schultz & Schultz, 1996, p. (Schultz & Schultz, 1996, p. 141)141)

Charles Darwin (1809 – Charles Darwin (1809 – 1882)1882)

On the Origin of Species by On the Origin of Species by Means of Natural Selection Means of Natural Selection

(1859)(1859) Impacted society as a whole, & Am. PsychologyImpacted society as a whole, & Am. Psychology Living things change with time (old idea)Living things change with time (old idea) But a new impact because of the But a new impact because of the Zeitgeist of Zeitgeist of

ChangeChange and an idea of and an idea of howhow it occurred: Natural it occurred: Natural Selection Selection Scientific discoveries about other species occurringScientific discoveries about other species occurring Explorers finding previously unknown forms of lifeExplorers finding previously unknown forms of life Fossil finds…animals that once roamed the earth Fossil finds…animals that once roamed the earth

and then disappearedand then disappeared Societal change due to the Industrial Revolution Societal change due to the Industrial Revolution Growing domination of Modern science over Growing domination of Modern science over

religious ideasreligious ideas

Darwin’s HesitationsDarwin’s Hesitations

Why did Darwin hesitate to publish Why did Darwin hesitate to publish his findings?his findings?

(Readings: (Readings: A History of Psychology in A History of Psychology in LettersLetters)

Effects (continued)Effects (continued)

Psychology now applied to emotions, Psychology now applied to emotions, personality, social behaviors, individual personality, social behaviors, individual differences, mental tests, differences, mental tests, psychopathology, animal behaviors, psychopathology, animal behaviors, etc.etc.

New Emphases:New Emphases: Operations rather than elementsOperations rather than elements Experimentation is still important, but…Experimentation is still important, but…

A shift from reliance on introspective data to A shift from reliance on introspective data to emphasis on behavioral dataemphasis on behavioral data

Herbert Spencer (1820-Herbert Spencer (1820-1903)1903)

““Synthetic Psychology”Synthetic Psychology”

Arguments:Arguments: Development of all aspects of the Development of all aspects of the

universe is universe is evolutionaryevolutionary Universal principles:Universal principles:

Survival of the fittestSurvival of the fittest Struggle for existenceStruggle for existence

Spencer’s views influenced every Spencer’s views influenced every field of learning, including Psychologyfield of learning, including Psychology

““Social Darwinism”Social Darwinism”

Spencer applied the theory of Spencer applied the theory of evolution to human nature and societyevolution to human nature and society

Well received by AmericansWell received by Americans Human perfection is inevitable, if Human perfection is inevitable, if

nothing interferes with the natural nothing interferes with the natural orderorder

Promoted individualism; laissez-faire Promoted individualism; laissez-faire economicseconomics

Individuals and institutions that fail to Individuals and institutions that fail to adapt should be allowed to perishadapt should be allowed to perish

““Synthetic Philosophy”Synthetic Philosophy” Application of evolutionary principles to Application of evolutionary principles to

all human knowledge and experienceall human knowledge and experience 1855: 1855: The Principles of PsychologyThe Principles of Psychology

Used by William James at early Harvard Psych Used by William James at early Harvard Psych classesclasses

Mind exists in the present form due to Mind exists in the present form due to past and continuing efforts to adapt to past and continuing efforts to adapt to environmentsenvironments

Increasing complexity of Increasing complexity of experiences/behavior is normal evolutionexperiences/behavior is normal evolution

William James (1842-William James (1842-1910)1910)

““Anticipator” of Anticipator” of Functionalism”Functionalism”

““Anticipator” of Functional Anticipator” of Functional PsychologyPsychology

Not actually the “founder” Not actually the “founder” Did influence the functional Did influence the functional

movementmovement A pioneer of new scientific A pioneer of new scientific

psychology in the U.S.psychology in the U.S.

A Negative Force?A Negative Force?

Seen by some as a negative force for Seen by some as a negative force for scientific psychologyscientific psychology Believed in mentalistic and psychic Believed in mentalistic and psychic

phenomenaphenomena Not an experimentalist in attitudeNot an experimentalist in attitude Called Psychology:Called Psychology:

““That nasty little science” andThat nasty little science” and ““The elaboration of the obvious”The elaboration of the obvious”

Life and CareerLife and Career

Multiple interests…wanted to become an Multiple interests…wanted to become an artistartist

Older brother of Henry James, the novelistOlder brother of Henry James, the novelist Studied chemistry, medicine, biology…Studied chemistry, medicine, biology…

abandonedabandoned 1872 – taught physiology at Harvard 1872 – taught physiology at Harvard

(enamored of Wundt & Helmholz)(enamored of Wundt & Helmholz) ““Time for psychology to be a science”Time for psychology to be a science” Pragmatist: If knowledge is useful, it is validPragmatist: If knowledge is useful, it is valid

Life and Career (2)Life and Career (2)

1875-1876 Taught his first course in 1875-1876 Taught his first course in psychology at Harvard, the first time psychology at Harvard, the first time experimental psychology was taught experimental psychology was taught in the US.in the US.

1889 – Professor of psychology 1889 – Professor of psychology (formerly professor of philosophy)(formerly professor of philosophy)

Principles of PsychologyPrinciples of Psychology (1890) (1890)

– “– “most important landmark in the most important landmark in the development of functionalism in the development of functionalism in the United States.”United States.”

Most influential psychology textbook everMost influential psychology textbook ever A 12 year effort; Wrote with a rare clarityA 12 year effort; Wrote with a rare clarity But afterward, James thought he had But afterward, James thought he had

nothing more to say about psychologynothing more to say about psychology Turned to religion and then to Turned to religion and then to

spiritualismspiritualism Varieties of Religious Experience Varieties of Religious Experience (1902)(1902)

Principles -- Principles -- Some Some ContentContent

Available: http://psychclassics.yorku.ca/James/Principles/index.htm

Psychology—a biological sciencePsychology—a biological science Goal: Study how humans adapt to their Goal: Study how humans adapt to their

environmentsenvironments Human consciousness must have had Human consciousness must have had

some function in order to survivesome function in order to survive


Emphasizes the nonrational aspect of human nature

Intellect operates under physiological influences of the body

Beliefs are determined by emotional factors E.g. James-Lange Theory of Emotion: E.g. James-Lange Theory of Emotion:

Emotions are the Emotions are the result result of physiological of physiological (autonomic) reactions, not the cause(autonomic) reactions, not the cause

Reason and concept formation are affected by human wants and needs


Consciousness: produced by biology and affected by brain

Mental life is a unity Consciousness is..

A continuous flow: “stream of consciousness” Always changing Cumulative Selective: only pays attention to relevant stimuli Purposive: has biological utility; allows for

choices that aid in adaptation

James’ Views and James’ Views and Contributions Contributions

Example: Example: Views on Temperament (2 types)Views on Temperament (2 types)

Tough mindedTough minded (empiricist, sensationalistic, (empiricist, sensationalistic, materialistic, fatalistic, etc.materialistic, fatalistic, etc.

Tender mindedTender minded (rationalistic, (rationalistic, intellectualistic, idealistic, free-willist, etc.)intellectualistic, idealistic, free-willist, etc.)

James’ InfluenceJames’ Influence

James was soon joined by others: James was soon joined by others: G. Stanley Hall (Harvard, then Clark G. Stanley Hall (Harvard, then Clark

University)University) James K. Cattell and Edward Thorndike James K. Cattell and Edward Thorndike

(Columbia University)(Columbia University) John Dewey and James Angell (U. of John Dewey and James Angell (U. of

Chicago—considered the locale for the Chicago—considered the locale for the “formal founding of functional “formal founding of functional psychology” psychology”

G. Stanley Hall (1844-G. Stanley Hall (1844-1924)1924)

Early HistoryEarly History

Encountered James at HarvardEncountered James at Harvard James was a mentor who helped his careerJames was a mentor who helped his career Hall began studying for the ministry…Hall began studying for the ministry…

became influenced by Darwinian ideas…left became influenced by Darwinian ideas…left the US for 3 years of independent study of the US for 3 years of independent study of Physiology in Germany…encountered $ Physiology in Germany…encountered $ problems… returned without a degree…problems… returned without a degree…found a tutoring position at Antioch College found a tutoring position at Antioch College (Ohio)…where he read Wundt…and decided (Ohio)…where he read Wundt…and decided to join Wundt in Leipzigto join Wundt in Leipzig

Early History (2)Early History (2) Stopped at Harvard…offered a position as tutor Stopped at Harvard…offered a position as tutor

in English…where he met James (who was 2 in English…where he met James (who was 2 years older)…James persuaded him to do years older)…James persuaded him to do experimental research on muscular cues and experimental research on muscular cues and space perception…and Hall eventually earned his space perception…and Hall eventually earned his Ph.D. ..the First American Ph.D. in experimental Ph.D. ..the First American Ph.D. in experimental psychology.psychology.

1878… Hall did go to study with Wundt and was 1878… Hall did go to study with Wundt and was Wundt’s 1Wundt’s 1stst American student…albeit with a American student…albeit with a graduate degree. Did not stay long…helped with graduate degree. Did not stay long…helped with Wundt’s experiments…and won his Wundt’s experiments…and won his recommendation for possible future openings in recommendation for possible future openings in psychology in America.psychology in America.

Early History (3)Early History (3) 1880 – returned to US. No jobs available.1880 – returned to US. No jobs available. Went back to Cambridge, MA (Harvard) Went back to Cambridge, MA (Harvard)

and was invited to deliver lectures on and was invited to deliver lectures on Education on Saturday mornings. Crucial Education on Saturday mornings. Crucial turning pointturning point 1. Turned his serious attention for the 11. Turned his serious attention for the 1stst time time

to developmental psychology in teachingto developmental psychology in teaching 2. Attracted the attention of president of John 2. Attracted the attention of president of John

Hopkins U. in Baltimore where he was invited Hopkins U. in Baltimore where he was invited to become professor of psychology and to become professor of psychology and pedagogy in 1884.pedagogy in 1884.

Early History (4)Early History (4)

Established the 1Established the 1stst American research American research facility for psychology at Johns Hopkins facility for psychology at Johns Hopkins UniversityUniversity

1887 -- Established the American Journal 1887 -- Established the American Journal of Psychologyof Psychology

1888 Was offered the presidency of Clark 1888 Was offered the presidency of Clark University in Worcester MA… devoted University in Worcester MA… devoted exclusively to graduate study…He exclusively to graduate study…He remained at Clark for the rest of his life…remained at Clark for the rest of his life…

Early History (5)Early History (5)

Clark had financial difficulties from Clark had financial difficulties from time to time… time to time…

Hall also was very controlling in his Hall also was very controlling in his administrative style… great administrative style… great facilities… poor faculty payfacilities… poor faculty pay

He continued to teach psychology He continued to teach psychology and education through the 1890’s…and education through the 1890’s…and Clark produced more than half of and Clark produced more than half of all American Ph.D.’s in psychologyall American Ph.D.’s in psychology

Contributions of G. Contributions of G. Stanley Hall Stanley Hall

Founder of 1Founder of 1stst US psychology lab (1883) at US psychology lab (1883) at Johns HopkinsJohns Hopkins

Established 1Established 1stst psychology journal: psychology journal: American Journal of PsychologyAmerican Journal of Psychology (1887) in (1887) in addition to other journals in later years…addition to other journals in later years…

Co-founder of APA – American Co-founder of APA – American Psychological Association (1892) started Psychological Association (1892) started with 31 members (by 1990 had over 60 with 31 members (by 1990 had over 60 thousand members)thousand members)

Other AccomplishmentsOther Accomplishments Popularized use of surveys Popularized use of surveys

(questionnaires) as a research tool(questionnaires) as a research tool Stimulated interest in a variety of applied Stimulated interest in a variety of applied

fields in psychology, especially child & fields in psychology, especially child & adolescent psychology and developmentadolescent psychology and development

Wrote his most popular book: Wrote his most popular book: Adolescence: Adolescence: Its Psychology and its relationship to Its Psychology and its relationship to Physiology, Anthropology, Sociology, Sex, Physiology, Anthropology, Sociology, Sex, Crime, Religion and Education Crime, Religion and Education

His book popularized the term His book popularized the term “Adolescence”“Adolescence”

Later published another book: Later published another book: SenescenceSenescence

Hall’s PhilosophyHall’s Philosophy Attempted to integrate evolutionary theory with Attempted to integrate evolutionary theory with

psychologypsychology

Proposed a “Darwinian and ‘recapitulationist’ Proposed a “Darwinian and ‘recapitulationist’ theory of child development: each individual’s theory of child development: each individual’s intellectual, emotional, and general intellectual, emotional, and general psychological development parallels the stages psychological development parallels the stages experienced by our pre human ancestors.experienced by our pre human ancestors. ““Ontogeny recapitulates phylogeny”Ontogeny recapitulates phylogeny” ““the individual in his/her development, reenacts the individual in his/her development, reenacts

phylogenetically all the steps in the evolutionary phylogenetically all the steps in the evolutionary process”process”

Hall’s PhilosophyHall’s Philosophy

Hall’s work began a general interest Hall’s work began a general interest in developmental psychologyin developmental psychology

His work, His work, Adolescence,Adolescence, involved him involved him with many of the same emotional with many of the same emotional (“storm and stress” ) and sexual (“storm and stress” ) and sexual issues investigated by Freud.issues investigated by Freud.

Hall invited Freud to speak at Clark Hall invited Freud to speak at Clark University’s 20University’s 20thth anniversary anniversary celebration in 1909.celebration in 1909.

Other AccomplishmentsOther Accomplishments

Brought Freud and Brought Freud and Jung to America in Jung to America in 1909 for a 1909 for a conference at Clark conference at Clark UniversityUniversity

A great success A great success and introduced and introduced Freud’s ideas to Freud’s ideas to the American the American continent.continent.

Freud Hall Jung

Summary StatementSummary Statement Although Hall managed to antagonize many of Although Hall managed to antagonize many of

his mentors, including Freud, James and his mentors, including Freud, James and Wundt,… he genuinely promoted their new Wundt,… he genuinely promoted their new psychologies.psychologies.

““Hall was a comet, caught for the moment by Hall was a comet, caught for the moment by James’ influence, but presently shooting off James’ influence, but presently shooting off into space never to return.” into space never to return.” (E.G. Boring, 1957, p. (E.G. Boring, 1957, p. 517)517)

““Thanks to the institutions, journals and Thanks to the institutions, journals and organizations that Hall founded, the ideas of organizations that Hall founded, the ideas of Wundt, James, Freud and countless others Wundt, James, Freud and countless others found a much larger, more receptive, and found a much larger, more receptive, and better educated audience in America than better educated audience in America than would have been the case otherwise” (would have been the case otherwise” (Fancher, Fancher, 1990, p. 263).1990, p. 263).

James McKeen Cattell (1860 James McKeen Cattell (1860 – 1944)– 1944)

Historical NotesHistorical Notes

Graduate study under Wundt at Leipzig Graduate study under Wundt at Leipzig 18801880

Studied under Hall at Johns HopkinsStudied under Hall at Johns Hopkins Returned to Germany in 1883 to work with Returned to Germany in 1883 to work with

Wundt to obtain his doctorate…Wundt to obtain his doctorate… Taught at Bryn Mawr and U of PATaught at Bryn Mawr and U of PA Taught at Cambridge in UKTaught at Cambridge in UK 1888 Became professor of Psychology at U 1888 Became professor of Psychology at U

of PA (Dad’s influence and economy issues)of PA (Dad’s influence and economy issues)

Contributions (1)Contributions (1) Impact on American Psychology via his work as Impact on American Psychology via his work as

organizer, executive and administrator of organizer, executive and administrator of psychological science and practice.psychological science and practice.

Established several journals…Established several journals… Established the Psychological Corporation Established the Psychological Corporation

PublishersPublishers Helped found American Association of Helped found American Association of

University Professors (AAUP)University Professors (AAUP) An ambassador for psychology, and especially An ambassador for psychology, and especially

promoted the practical applications of his field.promoted the practical applications of his field.

Contributions (2)Contributions (2)

Trained more graduate students in Trained more graduate students in psychology than anyone else in the US during psychology than anyone else in the US during his years at Columbia, several becoming his years at Columbia, several becoming prominent, including Robert Woodworth and prominent, including Robert Woodworth and Edward ThorndikeEdward Thorndike

Studies on Studies on Reaction timeReaction time Mental TestingMental Testing Individual DifferencesIndividual Differences PsychophysicsPsychophysics The use of statistical analysisThe use of statistical analysis

Cattell SummaryCattell Summary

Upon Cattell’s death, the historian of Upon Cattell’s death, the historian of psychology, E.G. Boring, wrote to psychology, E.G. Boring, wrote to Cattell’s children:Cattell’s children: ““In my opinion your father did more In my opinion your father did more

than William James even to give than William James even to give American psychology its peculiar slant, American psychology its peculiar slant, to make it different from the German to make it different from the German psychology from which it stemmed.”psychology from which it stemmed.”

The Founding of The Founding of FunctionalismFunctionalism

The Flight to ChicagoThe Flight to Chicago The Date of Functionalism’s founding at The Date of Functionalism’s founding at

University of Chicago is set at 1894 University of Chicago is set at 1894 when John Dewey and James Angell when John Dewey and James Angell came to Chicago from U of Michigan.came to Chicago from U of Michigan.

Interesting note: University of Chicago Interesting note: University of Chicago “enticed” many of the professors and “enticed” many of the professors and students from Clark University (where students from Clark University (where Hall was president)Hall was president)

John Dewey (1859 – John Dewey (1859 – 1952)1952)

Contributions to Contributions to PsychologyPsychology

Founder of functionalism at University of ChicagoFounder of functionalism at University of Chicago Major contribution to Psychology: Criticism of the Major contribution to Psychology: Criticism of the

“reflex arc” concept (“The Reflex Arc Concept in “reflex arc” concept (“The Reflex Arc Concept in Psychology,” Psychology,” Psychological Review, Psychological Review, 1896)1896) Attacked the “molecularism, elementism, and Attacked the “molecularism, elementism, and

reductionism of the reflex arc”reductionism of the reflex arc” ““Neither behavior nor conscious experience can Neither behavior nor conscious experience can

be reduced to parts or elements” (as Wundt be reduced to parts or elements” (as Wundt and Titchener claimed)and Titchener claimed)

Coordination is more than the sum of reflexes; Coordination is more than the sum of reflexes; a reflex is an ordered sequence of coordinated a reflex is an ordered sequence of coordinated movements that is indivisible, and thus reflexes movements that is indivisible, and thus reflexes must be considered in terms of their utilitarian must be considered in terms of their utilitarian (functional) nature. [Cp. Gestalt thinking](functional) nature. [Cp. Gestalt thinking]

Reductionism vs. Reductionism vs. FunctionalismFunctionalism

Artificial reduction and analysis “causes Artificial reduction and analysis “causes behavior to lose all meaning”…leaving behavior to lose all meaning”…leaving “only abstractions”“only abstractions”

Rather, “behavior should be treated…in Rather, “behavior should be treated…in terms of its significance to the organism terms of its significance to the organism in adapting to the environment. …the in adapting to the environment. …the proper study of psychology [is] …the proper study of psychology [is] …the study of the total organism as it study of the total organism as it functions in its environment.functions in its environment.

Dewey’s SignificanceDewey’s Significance

““Dewey’s significance for psychology Dewey’s significance for psychology lies in lies in his influence on psychologists…andhis influence on psychologists…and his development of the philosophical his development of the philosophical

framework for the new school of thought.framework for the new school of thought. Left the U. of Chicago in 1904, leaving Left the U. of Chicago in 1904, leaving

the leadership of functionalism the leadership of functionalism movement to James Rowland Angellmovement to James Rowland Angell

Other Contributions Other Contributions

Best known for his educational Best known for his educational philosophy:philosophy:

Stressed the importance of “Learning by Stressed the importance of “Learning by doing”doing”

Popularized the view that teaching Popularized the view that teaching should be student-oriented rather than should be student-oriented rather than subject-orientedsubject-oriented

James Rowland AngellJames Rowland Angell (1869 – 1949) (1869 – 1949)

Brief History & Brief History & ContributionsContributions

““Molded the functionalist movement Molded the functionalist movement into a working school of thoughtinto a working school of thought

U of Chicago psychology department U of Chicago psychology department the most influential in its day… major the most influential in its day… major training ground for functional training ground for functional psychologistspsychologists

Studied under Dewey… Read James’ Studied under Dewey… Read James’ Principles ofPrinciples of PsychologyPsychology…influenced …influenced his thinking more than any other bookhis thinking more than any other book

Worked with James at Harvard for a Worked with James at Harvard for a year, Masters degree in 1892.year, Masters degree in 1892.

History/ContributionsHistory/Contributions Grad studies at U. of Halle (Germany)…Grad studies at U. of Halle (Germany)…

Wundt was not accepting any more Wundt was not accepting any more students at Leipzig that year…students at Leipzig that year…

Never received his doctorate…but went to Never received his doctorate…but went to U of MN, …eventually received 23 U of MN, …eventually received 23 honorary degrees.honorary degrees.

After 1 year at Minnesota, went to Univ. of After 1 year at Minnesota, went to Univ. of Chicago remained for 25 years…until Chicago remained for 25 years…until leaving to become president of Yale U.leaving to become president of Yale U.

PsychologyPsychology, 1904, 1904

Angell published this text in 1904…Angell published this text in 1904…finalized the form of functionalism:finalized the form of functionalism:

““The goal of psychology was to study The goal of psychology was to study how the mind assists this adjustment of how the mind assists this adjustment of the organism to its environment.”the organism to its environment.”

Functionalism is…(3 Major Functionalism is…(3 Major Themes) Themes)

1. The psychology of mental operations (not 1. The psychology of mental operations (not mental elements). Goal: To discover how a mental elements). Goal: To discover how a mental process operates, what it accomplishes, mental process operates, what it accomplishes, and under what conditions it occurs.and under what conditions it occurs.

2. The psychology of the fundamental utilities 2. The psychology of the fundamental utilities of consciousness. “Consciousness…mediates of consciousness. “Consciousness…mediates between needs of the organism and the between needs of the organism and the demands of the environment.”demands of the environment.”

3. The psychology of psychophysical 3. The psychology of psychophysical (mind/body) relations--concerned with the total (mind/body) relations--concerned with the total relationship of the organism to its relationship of the organism to its environment.environment.

Critique of FunctionalismCritique of Functionalism Term was Term was not clearly definednot clearly defined… various forms … various forms

of definition… function = activity? Or function of definition… function = activity? Or function = usefulness? Interchangeable= usefulness? Interchangeable

Titchener criticized it because Titchener criticized it because it was not it was not structuralism!structuralism!

Chaney: The appeal to Function Chaney: The appeal to Function does not does not really explainreally explain the mechanisms of psychology the mechanisms of psychology Why consciousness? To adaptWhy consciousness? To adapt Why reflexes? To adaptWhy reflexes? To adapt Why does any behavior exist? To adaptWhy does any behavior exist? To adapt Why does thinking exist? To adaptWhy does thinking exist? To adapt Why does a person hate his mother? To Why does a person hate his mother? To

adapt….etc., etc…adapt….etc., etc…

Contributions of Contributions of FunctionalismFunctionalism

Shift in emphasis from Shift in emphasis from structure to function structure to function Research in Research in animal behavioranimal behavior Broad definition actually Broad definition actually helped spur

research in a wide diversity of fields: in a wide diversity of fields: developmental psych, disabilities, etc.developmental psych, disabilities, etc.

Increased the number of “respectable” Increased the number of “respectable” sources of psychological datasources of psychological data in addition to in addition to introspection: physiological research, introspection: physiological research, mental tests, questionnaires and objective mental tests, questionnaires and objective descriptions of behaviordescriptions of behavior

Functionalism’s Legacy Functionalism’s Legacy to American Psychologyto American Psychology

Stimulated the use of experimental research in Stimulated the use of experimental research in a variety of fields, such as animal learning, a variety of fields, such as animal learning, mental testing, educational psychology, mental testing, educational psychology, psychopathologypsychopathology

Gave America its own orientation in Gave America its own orientation in psychology (which persists to the present day)psychology (which persists to the present day) Emphasis on applied psychologyEmphasis on applied psychology Use of a variety of methods to assess behaviorUse of a variety of methods to assess behavior

The bridge that facilitated the transition from The bridge that facilitated the transition from structuralism to behaviorism and gestalt structuralism to behaviorism and gestalt psychologypsychology

Module 4-4 Functionalism

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