AP PSYCH PSYCHOLOGY PERSPECTIVES

AP Psychology Perspectives

Cognitive Perspective

Focuses on mental processes such as perception and thought patterns. (eg. Jane’s intense anxiety and physical symptoms can be explained by her negative thoughts and fears of judgment. Cognitive-behavioral therapy/CBT could help her identify and challenge these irrational thoughts, reducing her anxiety.)

Social-Cultural Perspective

Examines how social and cultural contexts influence behavior. (eg. The change in eating habits of individuals from Asian cultures moving to Western countries can be understood through the influence of cultural norms and availability of different foods. The adaptation reflects the integration of new cultural practices.)

Behavioral Perspective

Focuses on observable behaviors and the ways they are learned through interaction with the environment. (eg. Tom’s behavior can be explained by operant conditioning; the frequent use of social media may be reinforced by positive feedback like likes and comments and the reduction of anxiety through distraction)

Biological Perspective

Looks as physiological and genetic bases of behavior. (eg. PTSD can involve changes in brain chemistry and structure, particularly in areas related to fear and memory. Understanding the biological underpinnings of PTSD can help in developing effective treatments, such as medication and therapy.)

Humanistic Perspective

Emphasizes personal growth and self-actualization. (eg. Sarah’s altruistic behavior aligns with humanistic values, as she finds fulfillment in helping others and believes in the inherent goodness of people. Her actions may be driven by a desire for personal growth and contribution to society.)

Social-Cultural Perspective

Examines how societal norms and cultural expectations influence behavior. (eg. Gender roles and stereotypes shape career choices by setting expectations for what is deemed appropriate for men and women. These societal influences can limit individual choices and perpetuate inequality.)

Psychodynamic Perspective

Relies heavily on how the past has affected an individual’s psychological states. Psychologists who use this perspective believe that our unconscious mind (similar to Freud) is what controls the majority of our cognition and behavior.

Evolutionary Perspective

Based on Charles Darwin’s theory of natural selection. So, an individual’s thoughts and behaviors are based on what would give them the best chance of survival; subsequently, the behaviors that give the best chance of survival are passed on to further generations. An evolutionary psychologist would explain an extroverted behavioral trait as an evolutionarily advantage. If someone is outgoing and extroverted, they could make friends and allies who could protect them and increase their chance for survival.

Biopsychosocial Perspective

Integrated approach that uses the biological, psychological, and socio-cultural perspective in order to determine causes of behavior and cognitive processes. This perspective is a much more holistic approach to understanding behavior and attributes it to multiple causes rather than a specific approach like the other perspectives.