Page 17 - History of Psychology

Chapter

6
HISTORY OF PSYCHOLOGY

Structuralism and

Functionalism

Structural psychology is an analytical study of the generalization of the human
mind through the method of introspection. This approach was developed by
Wilhelm Wundt and Edward Bradford Titchener. The system aims to analyze the
human mind through the application of the experimental method of introspection
carried out by trained scientists. Structuralism has three goals, namely to describe

the components of consciousness as basic elements, describe the combination of
basic elements, and explain the relationship of the elements of consciousness to
the nervous system.

An appropriate subject of discussion for structural psychology is the process of
consciousness, independent of association. So Wundt and Titchener argue that
psychology should be free from the power of metaphysics, common sense, and
applied. This is because it is feared that it will damage the integrity of psychology.
The credibility of structural psychology lies in the correct use of introspection.
The experimental method proposed to ensure the accuracy of mental content
analysis is by introspection. The use of introspection is the emphasis on direct
experience as a subject of discussion which requires reliance on methods that
measure the pure experience.

Wilhelm Wundt (1832-1920) was born in Baden in southwest Germany. Wundt
studied at the University of Heidelberg, then left for Berlin to study at the
Johannes Muller institute of physiology. His interest in psychology began when he
already had a strong base in the field of physiology. He published his systematic
proposals which later became the new discipline in 1873-1874. Wundt seeks to
develop a paradigm, psychology as an experimental science of the mind to be
studied through its processes. Wundt also founded a laboratory in Leipzig in 1879
which is then considered the first laboratory specifically dedicated to
psychological research.

Edward Bradford Titchener (1867-1927) was a student of Wundt and brought the
teachings to America. Titchener was awarded a scholarship at Oxford University in
1885 to study philosophy and was intrigued by Wundt's writings. Titchener did not
recognize the applied aspects of psychology, he was concerned only with
experimental analysis of the normal adult human mind and not with individual
differences.
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