AP PSYCHOLOGY

Detailed explanation-1: -Functional psychology or functionalism refers to a psychological school of thought that was a direct outgrowth of Darwinian thinking which focuses attention on the utility and purpose of behavior that has been modified over years of human existence.

Detailed explanation-2: -Functionalists sought to explain mental processes in a more systematic and accurate manner. Rather than focusing on the elements of consciousness, functionalists focused on the purpose of consciousness and behavior. Functionalism also emphasized individual differences, which had a profound impact on education.

Detailed explanation-3: -Structuralism is a branch of psychology that analyzes the human mind and the fundamental units that may be found through introspection. Functionalism, however, claims that studying components of behavior and the adaptation of the human mind to different environments is vital.

Detailed explanation-4: -History. The origins of functionalism are traced back to William James, the renowned American psychologist of the late 19th century. James was heavily influenced by Darwin’s theory of evolution, and was critical of the structural approach to psychology that had dominated the field since its inception.