Psychological Perspectives

Biological Approach

focuses on physical processing that drives behavior, examines hormones and brain function

(fist=brain)

Psychodynamic Approach

unconscious thoughts and past experiences, investigates hidden motivations behind behaviors

(thumb=way back in memory)

Behavioral Approach

examines how actions are learned and reinforced

(middle finger=copied action)

Cognitive Approach

explores mental processing and thought patterns, how thought influence emotions and thoughts

(pointer finger=point to brain to think)

Developmental Approach

the stages of growth from womb to tomb, stages of cognitive, physical, and social growth

(high five=little kids)

Humanistic Approach

individual potential and self-actualization, focuses on personal meaning and self expression

(hand shake=work with others to better yourself)

Sociocultural Approach

social and cultural influences on behavior, context matters

(ring finger=people pressured to get married)

Evolutionary Approach

thinks about behavior through the idea of evolutionary survival

(opposable thumbs=ancestors)