Psychology

Early representation of the Functionalistic and Associationistic Theories of learning can be traced to the schools of thought of Edward L. Thorndike and Ivan Pavlov respectively. Edward Thorndike, with his Law of Effect, showed the relationship between repeated behaviors and pleasant consequences. This school of thought became the backbone of the study of Social Sciences for over 50 years. It influenced many of the modern learning theories.

Ivan Pavlov was the cornerstone of Behaviorism (Herenhahn, B.R., 2001). He proposed the theory of Classical Conditioning wherein behaviors are instinctive rather than learned. The term Pavlovs Dog plainly illustrates the characteristic of this school of thought. It pertains to an individual who reacts by instinct more often than through a real assessment of a given situation. Pavlov showed how reflex generally controls human behavior.

As mentioned earlier, the two theorists somehow provided fundamental aspects in the Functionalistic Theory for Thorndike and the Associationistic Theory for Pavlov. The Functionalistic Theory (Functionalism) is the oldest and most dominant learning perspective (McClelland, K., 2000). It theorizes that beliefs, desires, and value systems are highly influenced by functional roles in society. Survival of the social system is dependent on how functions are performed. From this understanding, Thorndike conceptualized the Connectionism Theory, which is essentially Functionalism and the Law of Effect combined. On the other hand, Associationist Schools use the Pavlovs Classical Conditioning to explain how association can control mental activity. Consciousness is actually the combination of simple (instinctive) and ultimate (learned) elements from experience. Sensations and feelings are connected to the basics of mental activity, much like Pavlovs Reflex Theory.