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Associationist Psychology

Associationist psychology is a theory that explains how humans learn and think by forming connections between ideas, experiences, and sensations. It suggests that our minds create associations based on our experiences; for example, seeing a dog might remind you of a childhood pet or a specific sound. These associations help us make sense of the world and guide our behavior. Key figures include psychologists like John Locke and David Hume, who emphasized that all knowledge comes from sensory experiences. Thus, associationist psychology highlights the role of memory and connections in shaping our thoughts and actions.