Structuralism Theory

Structuralism Theory

Introduction

Psychology mainly deals with the human mind and science involved in studying the behavior of an individual. Structuralism is one of the initial theories in identifying the concept associated with the human mind and behavior (Coon & Mitterer, 2007). Another important concept in the field of psychology is to understand the concept of elementism (web.mst.edu). It is a significant way of studying complex phenomenon in terms of their basic elements. In 1879, Wilhelm Wundt identified scientific methods for the study of human mind and behaviors and founded a theory of Structuralism, therefore, he is known as father of psychology and father of structuralism (Coon & Mitterer, 2007). Later, his concept was carried to the United States by his student Edward B. Titchener (Coon & Mitterer, 2007). Concept of structuralism is based on the identifying this complex psychological phenomenon with the help of different elements.

Discussion

Theory of Structuralism

Edward B. Titchener defined the ideas of Wundt into more simple way and explained it on the basis of elementism as the human minds consist of units or elements like “building blocks” (Coon & Mitterer, 2007 p.19). This provides an interesting concept in identifying the mind and conscious into different elements. This concept also involves analyzing physical and chemical structures and depends on understanding of inspecting various elements. This method is called introspection. For example, on the basis of Wundt's research, Titchener further analyzed the concept of inspecting an object by analyzing taste, shape, color and other such elements of an object (Coon & Mitterer, 2007 p.19).

Structuralism is based on experimental approach and also involves the important role of conscious in identifying an object on the basis of inspecting its elements. Wundt identified various conscious elements to describe human experiences and observations. This is the reason that instead of defining an ...