Psychology: Structuralism and Functionalism

Structuralism and Functionalism
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Abstract

Both structuralism and functionalism are studies of human minds and behavioral consciousness. This means that every subject in a study is the human minds. They differ somehow since, structuralism focused on how to break down mental processes into tiny components of consciousness, while functionalism is focused on the purpose of the human minds and consciousness.
Keywords: Structuralism & Functionalism.















Structuralism is the first major school of thought in psychology that sought to identify the structures of the mind. It is the study of the fundamental elements of consciousness, which focused on breaking down mental processes into its most essential components which relied on a method called introspection.
A general approach in various academic disciplines that explores the inter-relationships between fundamental elements of some kind, upon which some higher mental, linguistic, social, cultural etc "structures" are built, meaning it's produced within a particular person, system, culture.
It is also a term, first popularized, by Claude Levi-Strauss, for an approach to the human sciences that attempts to analyze any human, cultural and social phenomena (e.g. culture, the mind, social structure, and so on) as a complex system of interrelated parts. It derives its premises from the theory of signification advanced by Saussure.
Structuralism was founded and initiated by Wilhelm Wundt, however his late student (Edward B. Titchner) was recognized more as the creator of Structuralism.
Some Key Definitions:
The concept of structure is comprised of three key ideas:
1. The idea of wholeness – is a defining mark of structures almost goes without saying, since all structuralists, mathematicians, linguists, psychologists, or whatever are recognizing as the fundamental contrast between structures and aggregates.
2. The idea of transformation – is formed of elements composing to cumulate one by one association of its elements.
3. The idea of self-regulation – is they are self regulating, self regulation entailing self-maintenance and closure.
Psychology: Structuralism and Functionalism

Functionalism was also a psychological school of thought which followed Structuralism and enthused away from focusing solely on the structure of the mind on a purpose of how to relate human conscious to behavior.
Is a form of reaction against structuralism that also used the method of introspection in determining the functions of the human minds.
A mental process on how to explain human minds on a more systematic and accurate manner. In addition to all, this school of thought has been created to observe events as opposed to unobservable events of someone's mind.
Conclusion: Structuralism and Functionalism
Structuralism and functionalism explore both the human mind; they are concerned with the conscious self, regardless of the verbal bashing of each side. However, they had some similarities, but they also had many differences.












Psychologists


Alfred Binet a French psychologist that is famous for his development of the first widely used intelligence test. He is often described as one of the most influential thinkers in psychology history and his original test still serves as the basis for modern tests of intelligence.



William James a Psychologist and philosopher referred as the father of American psychology. His 1200-page text, The Principles of Psychology, became a classic on the subject and his teachings and writings helped establish psychology as a science. James also contributed to functionalism, pragmatism and influenced many students of psychology during his 35-year teaching career.


Kurt Lewin a Psychologist often referred as the father of modern social psychology. His theories of behavior which causes by both personal characteristics and the environment. Lewin's emphasize on scientific methodology and systematic study the enormous impact on future research for social psychology. He is also well-known for his styles of leadership.




Hugo Munsterberg a German psychologist who is known for his contributions to applied psychology. Despite the fact that his work has still influence on many areas of modern psychology, his legacy was largely forgotten for many years.


Jean Piaget a psychologist best-known for his stage theory of cognitive development. He was one of the first thinkers suggesting that children think differently than adults, a concept that was considered revolutionary at the time.


















References
D. Andrade, R. (1995). The development of cognitive anthropology. Cambridge University Press.
William James and Functionalism. Retrieved 2006, Oxford Companion to the Mind. (2006).
Psychology World, (October 7, 2006); Structuralism in Psychology
Schultz, D.P. & Schultz, S.E. (2008). A History of Modern Psychology (9th ed.). California: Thomas Wadsworth.
(Schultz, D.P. & Schultz, S.E., 2008, p.122)
Jean Piaget, Structuralism in Psychology
Kendra Cherry: Famous Psychologists, A List of Famous Psychologists