In developmental psychology, who is associated with the concept of functionalism?

William James is closely associated with the concept of functionalism in developmental psychology. Functionalism emerged in the late 19th and early 20th centuries as a school of thought that focused on the purpose of consciousness and behavior. James emphasized how mental processes help individuals adapt to their environments, highlighting the value of psychological processes in terms of their utility and function.

James's work advocated for understanding psychology not just by studying the structure of the mind, as structuralists did, but by examining how mental activities aid in survival and adaptation. His perspective laid the groundwork for later developments in psychology, including applied psychology and educational psychology, which consider the practical implications of psychological theory. This approach allows psychologists to study not just the mechanics of thought but also the role that thoughts and behaviors play in real-world contexts.

Overall, James's contributions resonate with the functionalist viewpoint that has significantly shaped developmental psychology and our understanding of human behavior.