Functionalism, introduced by William James, offers a different way to think about psychology compared to structuralism. Let’s break this down:

What is Functionalism?

• Structuralism was led by people like Wilhelm Wundt. They wanted to break down thoughts and feelings into the smallest pieces, like taking apart a clock to see how it works.
• Functionalism, on the other hand, looks at why we have these thoughts and feelings. Instead of just asking what sensations and perceptions are, functionalists ask: "How do these help us live better in our surroundings?"

Focus on Mental Processes

• Structuralists were mainly interested in the structure of our thoughts. They wanted to know how different parts fit together.
• Functionalists, inspired by how species evolve, focus on mental processes as important tools for surviving.

Example:

• Take fear, for example. A structuralist might study what fear feels like. But a functionalist would look at how fear helps us react quickly to danger, which can keep us safe.

Real-World Uses

• Functionalism has led to useful ideas in psychology. It has influenced areas like education and therapy. Instead of just analyzing thoughts, the goal is to understand how to improve how people think and feel.

In short, functionalism shines a light on the active role of our thoughts and feelings and shows their purpose. This makes it different from the more fixed view of structuralism, helping to shape the way psychology has developed over time.