Which of the following statements is most likely to have been made by a functionalist psychologist?
A)The mind is composed of discrete elements.
B)Perception is greater than the sum of its parts.
C)The only object of psychology is the study of behavior.
D)Adaptation to the environment is the purpose of mental processes and behavior.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Functionalists focused on the purpose of mental processes and behavior, and believed that adaptation to the environment was a key function of these processes. Option A describes structuralism, not functionalism. Option B reflects Gestalt psychology, which emphasized the whole over the sum of its parts. Option C is too limiting and reductionistic for functionalism, which emphasized a broad and diverse approach to studying psychology.

Which of the Following Statements Is Most Likely to Have