What does associationism regard as the primary basis of meaning, thought, or learning?

Associationism posits that the primary basis of meaning, thought, or learning is rooted in the co-occurrence of ideas or sensations. This psychological approach suggests that mental processes are formed through the connections or associations between different experiences, stimuli, or ideas. For instance, when two events or perceptions occur together frequently, an individual may begin to form a mental link between them, which can affect future thoughts and behavior.

This perspective is largely derived from the work of philosophers like Aristotle and later psychologists who emphasized how associations contribute to knowledge and learning. According to associationism, understanding and meaning arise not from isolated concepts but rather from the network of associations built through repeated experiences and interactions.

Other options, while relevant to certain psychological theories, do not capture the essence of associationism as accurately. Logical reasoning emphasizes cognitive processes that involve deduction and inference, while emotional responses focus on affective states. Cultural influences involve the contextual factors surrounding an individual but do not pertain to the core tenets of associationism regarding the formation of meaning through linked ideas. Thus, co-occurrences remain the fundamental principle in understanding this psychological approach.