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Structuralism

Definition

Structuralism is an early school of psychology that used introspection to explore the elemental structure of the human mind.

Analogy

Think of structuralism like a Lego set. Each individual piece (or mental process) doesn't make much sense on its own, but when you put them all together, you get a complete structure (the human mind).

Related terms

Functionalism: This is another early psychological perspective that focused on how our mental and behavioral processes function - how they enable us to adapt, survive, and flourish.

Gestalt Psychology: A psychological approach that emphasizes that we often perceive the whole rather than the sum of the parts.

Psychoanalysis: A therapeutic technique developed by Sigmund Freud which aims to treat mental disorders by investigating the interaction of conscious and unconscious elements in the mind.

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AP® and SAT® are trademarks registered by the College Board, which is not affiliated with, and does not endorse this website.