Which approach is associated with William James?

William James is primarily associated with Functionalism, a perspective in psychology that emphasizes the functions of the mind and behavior in adapting to the environment. This approach emerged as a reaction to Structuralism, which focused on breaking down mental processes into their most basic components. In contrast, Functionalism looks at how mental processes help individuals adapt, survive, and flourish in their surroundings.

James proposed that consciousness is not just a collection of static elements but a continuous stream that serves practical purposes. He believed that mental processes should be understood in terms of their role in helping an organism cope with its environment, which reflects the essence of Functionalism. This perspective laid the groundwork for future developments in psychology, including behaviorism and applied psychology.

By emphasizing the importance of mental processes and their contributions to behavioral adaptation, Functionalism represented a significant shift in psychology during James's time, making it a crucial aspect of his legacy.