associationism

[ uh-soh-see-ey-shuh-niz-uhm, -shee-ey- ]

/ əˌsoʊ siˈeɪ ʃəˌnɪz əm, -ʃiˈeɪ- /

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noun

Psychology. any of several theories that explain complex psychological phenomena as being built up from the association of simple sensations, stimuli and responses, or other behavioral or mental elements considered as primary.

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Compare sensationism.

Origin of associationism

An Americanism dating back to 1830–40; association + -ism

OTHER WORDS FROM associationism

as·so·ci·a·tion·ist, adjective, nounas·so·ci·a·tion·is·tic, adjective

Words nearby associationism

associate's degree, association, association area, association fiber, association football, associationism, association law, associative, associative array, associative cortex, associative storage

How to use associationism in a sentence

The whole theory of physiological associationism works evidently with two factors.
Psychotherapy|Hugo Mnsterberg
The antithesis is also misinterpreted, or at least wrongly narrowed, if it is called voluntarism versus associationism.
Harvard Psychological Studies, Volume 1|Various
The one-sidedness of the physiological sensory theories has been the hidden reason for the one-sidedness of associationism.
Harvard Psychological Studies, Volume 1|Various
This must be called their proton pseudos, if associationism pure and simple is to be accepted.
The Place of Science in Modern Civilisation and Other Essays|Thorstein Veblen

British Dictionary definitions for associationism

associationism

/ (əˌsəʊsɪˈeɪʃəˌnɪzəm) /

noun

psychol a theory that all mental activity is based on connections between basic mental events, such as sensations and feelings

Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012