Perspectives of Psychology

Psychology

the scientific study of behavior and mental processes

Evolutionary buzz words

Adaptable, reproduce, continue species

Biological buzz words

Genes, brain, hormones, neurotransmitters

Behavioral buzz words

Learning by association, reinforcement/rewards, punishments, observable and measurable actions

Cognitive buzz words

Thinking, memory (LTM &STM), problem solving, information processing, decision-making

Psychodynamic buzz words

Childhood experiences, conscious & unconscious desires and conflicts

Humanistic buzz words

Personal growth and fulfillment, highest potential, self-actualization, free will

Socio-Cultural buzz words

Society, culture, environment

Biological Psychology

Looking at the physical make up and the operation of our brains influence on our personality

Evolutionary

Looking at individuals' behaviors through the lens of natural selection

Cognitive Psychology

Our actions are a direct result of the way we process information from our environment; thoughts, expectations, perceptions, memory

Psychodynamic Psychology

Suggests we are motivated by the energy of irrational desires generated in our unconscious minds

Humanistic Psychology

Emphasizes human ability, growth, potential and free will

Behavioral Psychology

A viewpoint which finds the source of our actions in the environmental stimuli, rather than inner mental processes

Socio-Cultural Psychology

Emphasizes the importance of social interaction, social learning and a cultural perspective

Carol Dweck

Created the idea of a growth mindset

Growth Mindset

when people believe that they can develop their brain, abilities, and talents

Fixed Mindset

the belief that basic qualities such as intelligence and abilities are fixed and cannot be developed

Mindset

the beliefs individuals hold about their most basic qualities and abilities