Functionalistic Theory Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Functionalistic Theory - Essay Example The basic principles of functionalist theory as applied in psychology reside in the concept that although every part of the organism functions independently, they are still linked together. Each has its own function to perform but all parts have the ultimate goal of determining ways to adapt to the environment to maintain equilibrium. Such function is the primary concern of functionalistic theory rather than the structures. In addition, human functioning and behaviors are understood through the conduction of research and other methods of study employing non human animals because of their relation to humans making them a suitable substitute for investigation of real life events. But since not all humans are the same, functionalists stressed that there are individual variations which laid further studies regarding individual differences. The works of the three theorists of functionalism, Thorndike, Dewey and James have contributed much to functionalism’s popularity and applicati on. Their work did not only advocate the recognition of functionalism as a school of thought but had influenced the American education. Along this line, their significant addition is compared and contrasted. The idea of James had changed how physics was thought from Newtonian operation to pragmatism.