AP Psych: Unit 0 (Psychological Perspectives)

Psychodynamic Definition

Emphasizes unconscious impulses, desires, and conflicts that impact our behavior.

Psychodynamic Keywords

unconscious, repressed, childhood trauma, defense mechanisms

Behavioral Definition

Behavior is shaped and controlled by one’s environment

• Observable behavior

• Effects of learning

Behavioral Keywords

learning, reinforcement, punishment, rewards, consequences, modeling

Biological Definition

Behavior is the result of biological/physiological processes

Biological Keywords

brain and parts, central nervous system (cns), peripheral nervous system (pns), neurotransmitters, hormones, glands, genetics

Cognitive Definition

Studies human behavior in terms of mental processing of information (thinking)

Cognitive Keywords

memory, perception, thought processes, problem solving, decision making, judgements

Evolutionary Definition

Our behaviors and thoughts have evolved and adapted to aid in survival and reproduction (we’re not a blank slate)

Evolutionary Keywords

survival, advantageous traits, reproduction

Humanistic Definition

Human behavior is driven by our desire to reach our full potential. We have free will to achieve self growth.

Humanistic Keywords

strive, achieve, full potential, self-esteem, free will, goals

Sociocultural Definition

Behavior is influenced by societal and cultural norms and expectations

• Individualist vs. collectivist

• Socioeconomic status (SES)

• Gender Norms

Sociocultural Keywords

social roles, rules of interaction, cultural values and expectations, religion

Eclectic Approach

The perspectives are complimentary and may be used together to fully understand an issue

Biopsychosocial Approach

Behavior or mental process can be influenced by biological, psychological, and social-cultural influences

Biological Influences of Depression

• Family history

• Low serotonin levels

Psychological Influences of Depression

• Low self esteem

• Negative thought patterns

• Poor coping skills

Social-cultural Influences of Depression

• Poverty

• Cyber-bullying

• Pandemics

• Laws/rules