associationism

American  

[uh-soh-see-ey-shuh-niz-uhm, -shee-ey-] / əˌsoʊ siˈeɪ ʃəˌnɪz əm, -ʃiˈeɪ- /

noun

1. 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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associationism British  

/ əˌsəʊsɪˈeɪʃəˌnɪzəm /

noun

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

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Other Word Forms

• associationist adjective
• associationistic adjective

Etymology

Origin of associationism

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

Example Sentences

The opinion itself is tenable, but the defence of it, made as it is from the standpoint of the old English associationism, is unfortunately worthless.

From The Psychological Origin and the Nature of Religion by Leuba, James H. (James Henry)

The one-sidedness of the physiological sensory theories has been the hidden reason for the one-sidedness of associationism.

From Harvard Psychological Studies, Volume 1 Containing Sixteen Experimental Investigations from the Harvard Psychological Laboratory. by Münsterberg, Hugo

Samuel Bailey's 'letters on the philosophy of the human mind,' published in 1855, are one of the ablest expressions of english associationism, and a book of real power.

From A Pluralistic Universe Hibbert Lectures at Manchester College on the Present Situation in Philosophy by James, William

But without returning to apperceptionism we can overcome the one-sidedness of associationism if full use is made of the means which the world of phenomena offers to theory.

From Harvard Psychological Studies, Volume 1 Containing Sixteen Experimental Investigations from the Harvard Psychological Laboratory. by Münsterberg, Hugo

If the facts which cluster about attention cannot be understood by the simple scheme of associationism, the demand must be for a better physiological theory.

From Psychotherapy by Münsterberg, Hugo