James defined psychology as the conscience of the mental life because he thought that consciousness is what makes the mental life possible. ... James' interest in the function of consciousness led him to develop on of the most foundational theories of psychology: that of functionalism.

What did William James study in psychology?

James oversaw Harvard's first doctorate in psychology, earned by G. ... His belief in the connection between mind and body led him to develop what has become known as the James-Lange Theory of emotion, which posits that human experience of emotion arises from physiological changes in response to external events.

What method did William James use to study the mind?

What method did William James use to study the mind? Observations based on operations of his own mind.