William James is most associated with which psychological concept?

William James is most associated with functionalism, a psychological perspective that emphasizes the functions and purposes of the mind and behavior in enabling individuals to adapt to their environments. Functionalism emerged in response to structuralism, which sought to understand the mind by breaking it down into its basic components or structures. In contrast, James argued that consciousness and mental processes should be studied in terms of their utility and how they aid in the survival and adaptation of the organism.

James believed that the mind is not a static entity but rather a dynamic and ongoing process, reflecting his interest in how mental processes help individuals navigate their surroundings and daily challenges. This perspective laid the groundwork for applied psychology and influenced later developments in various fields, including education, psychology, and even philosophy. By focusing on the practical applications of psychological principles, functionalism helped expand the scope of psychological research and inquiry beyond mere introspection and structure analysis.