While structuralists believed in studying the mind, Functionalists rather believed instudying observable behaviourTrue / False
Question
While structuralists believed in studying the mind, Functionalists rather believed in studying observable behaviour
True / False
Solution
This statement is True.
Explanation
Structuralism and functionalism are two foundational schools of thought in psychology. Structuralists, notably represented by figures such as Wilhelm Wundt, emphasized the importance of studying the mind's structure by analyzing the components of consciousness through introspection. Their primary focus was the internal experience of the mind.
On the other hand, functionalists, including key figures like William James and John Dewey, advocated for studying how mental processes help individuals adapt to their environments. They believed that psychology should focus more on observable behavior and the function of mental processes rather than just the components of consciousness. This approach shifted the focus from mere mind structure to the observable actions and processes that can be studied scientifically.
Thus, the essence of functionalism is indeed centered on observable behavior, contrasting with structuralism's focus on the mind's structure. Therefore, the statement is accurate in summarizing the fundamental differences between these two perspectives in psychology.
Similar Questions
Structuralists emphasized the tendency to organize perceptions into wholes and to integrate separate stimuli into meaningful patterns.
The approach which focused on the analysis of components of consciousness is calledOptionsFunctionalismStructuralismBehaviorism
The Philosopher/Psychologist who introduced the functionalist school of thought was calledA.Max WertheimerB. Wolfgang KohlerC.John B. WatsonD.None of the above
Match each theory to the thinker most closely associated with it:Sort elementsCognitivismBehaviorismConstructivismPiagetSkinnerVygotsky
The value of introspection was most clearly dismissed by:A. PsychoanalystsB. FunctionalistsC. StructuralistsD. Behaviourists
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