associationism

[ uh-soh-see-ey-shuh-niz-uh m, -shee-ey- ]
/ əˌsoʊ siˈeɪ ʃəˌnɪz əm, -ʃiˈeɪ- /

noun

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.
Compare sensationism.

Origin of associationism

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

OTHER WORDS FROM associationism

as·so·ci·a·tion·ist, adjective, noun as·so·ci·a·tion·is·tic, adjective

Words nearby associationism

association cortex, association fiber, association football, association law, association test, associationism, associative, associative aphasia, associative cortex, associative learning, associative neuron

Example sentences from the Web for associationist

British Dictionary definitions for associationist

associationism
/ (əˌsəʊsɪˈeɪʃəˌnɪzəm) /

noun

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