associationism
n. the theory that complex mental processes, such as thinking, learning, and memory, can be wholly or mainly explained by the associative links formed between ideas (see association of ideas) according to specific laws. Although Aristotle cited some of these laws (similarity, difference, contiguity in time or space, etc.), the theory was first stated systematically by Thomas Hobbes, who held that all knowledge is compounded from relatively simple sense impressions. The laws and applications of association were later developed by John Locke and other members of the British empiricist school (see empiricism), notably George Berkeley, David Hume, David Hartley, James Mill, and John Stuart Mill. Although the approach taken by such thinkers was relatively static and nonexperimental, there are echoes of associationism in much historical and contemporary psychology.
Most importantly, associationism has been invoked to explain the pairing of stimuli and responses. As such, it is a fundamental assumption of modern learning theory and all behaviorist approaches (see behaviorism). Also called British associationism.