associationism Definition
a psychological theory that explains complex mental states and ideas as combinations of simple sensory experiences and ideas.
Using associationism: Examples
Take a moment to familiarize yourself with how "associationism" can be used in various situations through the following examples!
Example
Associationism suggests that the mind is composed of simple ideas that are combined to form more complex ones.
Example
According to associationism, learning occurs through the association of ideas.
Example
Associationism was a dominant theory in psychology during the 18th and 19th centuries.
Phrases with associationism
a form of associationism that emphasizes the role of experience and observation in shaping mental processes
Example
Empirical associationism holds that all knowledge comes from experience.
a form of associationism that views the mind as a machine that operates according to fixed laws of association
Example
Mechanical associationism suggests that the mind works like a clock, with simple ideas combining to form more complex ones.
a form of associationism that emphasizes the role of mental processes in shaping behavior
Example
Psychological associationism suggests that behavior is shaped by the associations between mental processes.
Origins of associationism
from Latin 'associatio', meaning 'union'
Summary: associationism in Brief
'Associationism' [əˌsəʊsiˈeɪʃənɪzəm] is a psychological theory that explains complex mental states and ideas as combinations of simple sensory experiences and ideas. It suggests that learning occurs through the association of ideas, and was a dominant theory in psychology during the 18th and 19th centuries. Associationism can be divided into different forms, such as empirical associationism, mechanical associationism, and psychological associationism.
