Associationism

Associationism is the theory that the mind contains a variety of elements, such as ideas and sensations, that organize themselves by physical or mental associations. First put forward by Plato, this idea was then expanded upon by Aristotle. For instance, you hear the word "summer." This word may bring up memories of the beach, swimming, hot weather, or going camping. Associationism is the concept that mental processes occur as a result of whatever the individual may associate (either good or bad) with the stimulus word.