Association, in psychology, refers to one theory of how people learn things. The theory’s three laws of association attempt to explain how a person associates (relates) experiences. These laws are: (1) the law of contiguity, (2) the law of similarity, and (3) the law of contrast.
The law of contiguity states that mental associations occur when two events take place close to each other in time or space. For example, teachers try to grade an examination soon after students take it. This helps students associate the correct answers with the questions while the examination is fresh in their minds.
The law of similarity states that a person is more likely to connect two things that are almost the same. For example, a child is more likely to associate a wagon with an automobile than with an airplane.
The law of contrast states that greatly differing things are likely to be associated. For example, it is easier to learn the differences between “hot” and “cold” than between “hot” and “warm.”
Critics of the theory say it puts too much emphasis on the events associated and not enough emphasis on the person. Psychologists holding other views think that the ability of a person to understand the similarity or difference between things is also important in learning.
Few psychologists accept the associationist point of view completely. Most realize association takes place, but doubt it explains all learning.
