Which of the following best describes the main difference between structuralism and Gestalt psychology?

• A. Structuralism and Gestalt psychology both focus exclusively on observable behavior.
• B. Structuralism focuses on breaking down mental processes into basic elements, while Gestalt psychology emphasizes understanding the whole experience as more than the sum of its parts.
• C. Structuralism believes perception is innate, while Gestalt psychology believes it is learned through experience.
• D. Gestalt psychology is primarily concerned with introspection, whereas structuralism rejects introspection.

Answer: (B)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Step 1: Understand that structuralism and Gestalt psychology are two early schools of thought in psychology that focus on how we perceive and experience the world.
2. Step 2: Recognize that structuralism aims to break down mental processes into their most basic components, often using introspection to analyze sensations, feelings, and images.
3. Step 3: Note that Gestalt psychology, in contrast, emphasizes that the mind perceives experiences as whole patterns or configurations, which are more than just the sum of individual parts.
4. Step 4: Identify that structuralism focuses on the elements of consciousness, while Gestalt psychology focuses on the organization and integration of these elements into meaningful wholes.
5. Step 5: Conclude that the main difference lies in structuralism's focus on breaking down mental processes versus Gestalt psychology's focus on holistic perception.