AP Psych Perspectives

Psychodynamic Perspective

Focuses on unconscious dynamics, motives, conflicts, and past experiences that influence behavior.

Behavioral Perspective

Focuses on how observable environmental influences, learning, conditioning, reinforcement, and punishment affect behavior.

Humanistic Perspective

Focuses on free will, self-actualization, human potential, and personal growth.

Cognitive Perspective

Focuses on mental processes such as thinking, memory, and problem-solving.

Biological Perspective

Focuses on genetics and physiological processes in the body, including the brain, nervous system, hormones, and neurotransmitters.

Evolutionary Perspective

Focuses on natural selection, adaptation, survival, and reproduction as explanations for behavior and mental processes.

Sociocultural Perspective

Focuses on how social interactions and cultural influences affect behavior and mental processes.