Perspectives in psychology: Structuralism, functionalism and empiricism.

Question 1.1
STRUCTURALISM FUNCTIONALISM
COMPARE Structuralism studies the Functionalism studies how
construction of the mind. the human mind works
CONTRAST The person responsible for The person responsible for
the development of the development of
structuralism is known to be functionalism is known to be
Wilhelm Wundt. (Buckler, S. William James. (Buckler, S.
and Castle, P. 2018) and Castle, P. 2018)

Wilhelm Wundt studied the
structure of the human mind This study was motivated by
which was done through the theory of natural
introspection. selection developed by
Charles Darwin’s.
The study mainly focused
on the mindful experiences The study focused on how
of ideas and sensations. the mind adapts to changing
(Buckler, S. and Castle, P. environments as well as
2018) why behavior changes.
(Buckler, S. and Castle, P.
2018)
EXAMPLE o In the classroom it is o In the classroom it
the foundation of the would be the out-
building, starting the come of the building,
structure from the the final product of
bottom usually by the building which in-
having a clear room dicates to us what
with no indication of the building is meant
what it is meant to to be.
be. o It has the necessary
o It has no necessary equipment for a
equipment needed classroom e.g.
for a classroom. chairs, tables,
o It lacks reliability. boards, projectors
o In the classroom if a etc.
learner was to iden- o It is reliable.
tify the color of the o In the classroom
classroom they they would look at
would start by ac- the walls to actually
knowledging the see the color as it
color of the paint would be the com-
bucket surrounding plete structure.
them.