associationism

[ uh-soh-see-ey-shuh-niz-uhm, -shee-ey- ]

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.

associationism

/ əˌsəʊsɪˈeɪʃəˌnɪzəm /

noun

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

Other Words From

• as·soci·ation·ist adjective noun
• as·soci·ation·istic adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of associationism¹

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

Example Sentences

The whole theory of physiological associationism works evidently with two factors.

From Project Gutenberg

The antithesis is also misinterpreted, or at least wrongly narrowed, if it is called voluntarism versus associationism.

From Project Gutenberg

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

From Project Gutenberg

This must be called their proton pseudos, if associationism pure and simple is to be accepted.

From Project Gutenberg