Functionalists often study subjects over long periods of time, or longitudinally, as symbolized by this globe. Functionalism Summary Functionalism was the other of psychology's early dominant fields. Functionalists believed that psychology's goal was to research the purpose for consciousness. To work toward that goal, functionalists developed longitudinal research, where a single subject is researched for an extended period.

William James Important People in Functionalism William James (AD 1875 to 1890): James is sometimes called the father of American psychology. In 1875, he offered a psychology class at Harvard. He published Principles of Psychology in 1890, and it was very widely used. James also advocated functionalism strongly.

Philosophical Roots Physiological Roots Pseudoscientific Schools of Thought Structuralism Functionalism Psychoanalysis Gestalt Behaviorism Humanism Cognitive Psychology's Roots Home

by Steven N. Jacowski, September 20, 2004
Mr. Ward's AP Psychology - 6th
Craig High School