Schools of psychology

Behaviorism

(Typically external stimuli) cause observable changes in behavior.

Conditioning/learning, observation, nurture.

Gestalt

The brain uses pattern to process & understand the visual world. Specific to the understanding of visual information.

Patterns, visual perception.

Psycho-dynamic/analytic

Hidden (“Unconscious”) animal instincts & unresolved childhood issues influence behavior whether we realize it or not.

unconscious, subconscious, childhood trauma, defense mechanisms.

Humanism

Behavior & thought differ from person to person and this individually means we all have different definitions of success.

Self- actualization, human potential, person-centered.

Evolutionary

Human behavior is influenced by traits that have been passed down over generations that at some point helped in our survival and reproduction.

Genetics, nature, survival.

Biological

Approaching behavior & thought from a “Medical” model focused on anatomical structures and functions.

Neurons, hormones, structures/functions.

Cognitive

The mind’s internal process to organize and interpret info. This interpretation can be even more important than the reality of the situation.

Thinking, interpretation, internal processes, non-visual perception.