Tuesday, September 17, 2013

What is Structuralism in Psychology? (Part 2)

What is Structuralism in Psychology? (Part 2)


By Kimberly Swanson, MS-Psy, CNA

How Does Structuralism Gives a Framework to Psychology


The first thing that structuralism does is that it gives a framework to psychology.  Titchener first identified the problems with psychology which are (Schultz & Schultz, 2012):  1.  minimizing consciousness processing, 2.  determining “laws” based on consciousness, 3.  and  attaching “elements” to “physiological conditions”. 

Titchener, known for
developing structuralism for
 psychology
In 1896, Titchener created a system of  identifying the “elements of sensation”  which was based on his studies and research (Schultz & Schultz, 2012).  His system for elements of sensation was published in An Outline of Psychology.   The elements of sensation created a simplified framework for psychology by identifying “44,500 individualized sensation, 32,820  for visual sensation, and 11,600 auditory sensation” (Schultz & Schultz, 2012).
Titchener’s work brought more clarity to Wundtian theory of quality and intensity by creating a framework for psychology.  Bringing clarity to Wundt’s earlier work,  further explained how to gather “quality, intensity, duration, and clearness” to the conscious mind (Schultz & Schultz, 2012).
Another contribution that structuralism has done for psychology was give guidance as to how research and experiments  are suppose to be conducted.  Titchener developed the concept of introspection.  With introspection, researchers are trained to be more detailed and accurate while recording and documenting their data.  During Titchener’s time, he adopted Kulpe’s method of producing scientific reports that are more detailed, qualitative, and subjective (Schultz & Schultz, 2012).

Reference:  
Schultz, D.P., & Schultz, S.E. (2012). Philosophical influences on psychology (10th Eds.), A History of Modern Psychology (pp. 65-86) Belmont, CA: Wadsworth Press.

Updated 10/01/16

Copyrighted 2013-2016 by Messenger Publishing, Inc. all rights reserved


How to cite this article:


Swanson, K.  (2016).  What is Structuralism in Psychology?   Psychology Essence (Messenger Publishing, Inc.).  Retrieved from http://psychologyessence.blogspot.com/2013/09/what-is-structuralism-in-psychology.html.

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