Final answer:
Structuralism uses introspection to explore the mind's components, while functionalism focuses on the mind's functions and how it helps individuals adapt. Structuralism is subjective and based on individual experiences, whereas functionalism uses empirical methods and looks at the mind holistically.
Step-by-step explanation:
Structuralism involves using introspection to investigate the components of the mind, whereas functionalism probed the functions and purposes of the mind and behavior in the individual's adaptation to the environment.
Structuralism is an approach to psychology based on the idea that it is possible to break down psychological processes into their basic components. This school of thought, closely associated with Wilhelm Wundt, used introspection as a method to identify the different elements that make up consciousness. However, introspection proved to be a highly subjective method and had little agreement between individual observations.
Functionalism, on the other hand, emerged as a counterpoint to structuralism and was concerned with how mental processes help individuals adapt to their environment. Pioneered by William James and others, functionalism took a more holistic view of the mind, focusing on its adaptive purposes and functions, and employed more empirical methods of research.