perspectives in psychology

Psychodynamic/Psychoanalytic Perspective

Focuses on the influence of unconscious drives, desires, and childhood experiences on personality and behavior.

Key figures of Psychodynamic Perspective

Sigmund Freud

Example of Psychodynamic Perspective

An adult replicating childhood relationship dynamics in adult romantic relationships.

Behavioral Perspective

Studies how observable behaviors are acquired and modified through learning processes like classical and operant conditioning.

Key figures of Behavioral Perspective

Ivan Pavlov, John B. Watson, B.F. Skinner

Example of Behavioral Perspective

A veteran's conditioned fear response to loud sounds such as fireworks.

Humanistic Perspective

Emphasizes self-actualization, personal growth, and the inherent goodness of humanity.

Key figures of Humanistic Perspective

Carl Rogers, Abraham Maslow

Example of Humanistic Perspective

A professional choosing to start an artisan business for personal fulfillment rather than pursuing a high-paying job.

Cognitive Perspective

Explores how mental processes like thinking, memory, and problem-solving influence behavior.

Key figures of Cognitive Perspective

Jean Piaget, Ulric Neisser

Example of Cognitive Perspective

A mathematician's rigidity in problem-solving due to cognitive biases.

Biological/Neuroscience Perspective

Investigates the physiological, genetic, and neural underpinnings of behavior and mental processes.

Key figures of Biological Perspective

Roger Sperry

Example of Biological Perspective

Researching neural circuit dysregulation in patients with obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD).

Evolutionary Perspective

Explains behavior in terms of adaptive value and natural selection of traits over time.

Key figures of Evolutionary Perspective

Charles Darwin

Example of Evolutionary Perspective

The universal human tendency for strong attachments is viewed as an evolved mechanism for survival.

Socio-cultural Perspective

Examines how social and cultural contexts shape behavior and mental processes.

Key figures of Socio-cultural Perspective

Lev Vygotsky

Example of Socio-cultural Perspective

Variations in emotional distress expression across different cultures.

Biopsychosocial Perspective

An integrated approach that recognizes the interaction of biological, psychological, and social factors in behavior.

Example of Biopsychosocial Perspective

Type II Diabetes onset influenced by genetic predispositions and life stressors in specific environments.