Around 1900, the school of thought that largely replaced structuralism came into being as functionalism. This was founded by the American psychologists William James and Cattell. Functionalism concentrated on what the mind does– the functions of mental activity. Functionalists asked what roles behavior played in allowing people to better adapt to their environments. William James examined the ways in which behavior allows people to satisfy their needs.

Another American educator John Dewey criticized the structuralists because their objectives were too narrow. He studied functions of the conscious experience and redefined psychology “as the study of man’s adjustment to his environment”. He took a functionalist approach and developed the field of school psychology theorizing about how student’s needs could best be met through the educational system.

In other words, the subject matter of functionalism was thought of as the “fundamental utilities of consciousness”. The methods were experimental including the use of introspection.

Method:

Functionalists used introspection method to study consciousness. Thy also used tests, surveys and experimental techniques to study mental process, and consciousness. In studying animals and children as well as adults, the key question they asked was; “What function does the specific behavior perform?” Psychologists of this school studies topics such as thinking, memory, consciousness, motivation, learning and animal intelligence. They were also interested in applying psychological concepts in schools, business and homes.

Criticism:

1. Functionalists did not explain the functions of mind/ consciousness.

2. They did not describe the relationship of mind and body.

3. They used introspection method to study consciousness, which was not scientific method.

4. Functionalists did not explain the concepts of unconsciousness, so they were criticized by majority of psychologists.