Definition

1. Noun:
   • A psychological theory: Associationism is a theory in psychology that posits association as the fundamental principle of all mental activity. It suggests that complex ideas, thoughts, and mental processes are formed by linking together simpler ideas through experience.

Usage and Examples

• Noun:
  • The philosopher's work was a cornerstone of classical associationism.
  • Associationism attempts to explain learning and memory through the connection of ideas.

Advanced Usage

• Historical Context: Associationism is often discussed in the history of philosophy and psychology, particularly in relation to thinkers like John Locke, David Hume, and David Hartley, who developed its early principles.
  • Empiricist philosophy provided the groundwork for the development of associationism.

Variants and Related Words

• Associationist (noun): A proponent or adherent of the theory of associationism.
  • He was a noted associationist who expanded on Hume's ideas.
• Associationist (adjective): Pertaining to or based on associationism.
  • The associationist approach to cognition was influential.

Synonyms

• Mental association theory
• Association psychology

Related Concepts and Phrases

• Law of Association: A principle within associationism describing how ideas connect (e.g., by contiguity, similarity, or contrast).
  • The law of association by contiguity states that ideas occurring together become linked.
• Association of Ideas: The core phenomenon that the theory seeks to explain.
  • The author explored the free association of ideas in his writing.

Noun

1. (psychology) a theory that association is the basic principle of mental activity