Pyschological Perspectives

Theoretical approaches involving assumptions about human behavior.

Behavioral

Evironmental influences, learning, and observational learning. Personal experiences and reinforcement guide individual development. Focused on observable behaviors and how they are learned through environmental influences, this perspective is championed by John B. Watson and B.F. Skinner. It uses classical conditioning (learning through association) and operant conditioning (learning through rewards and punishments) to explain behavior.

Cognitive

Interpretation of mental images, thinking, and language. Perceptions and thoughts influence behavior. This approach compares the mind to a computer, studying how people acquire, process, store, and use information. It examines thinking, memory, language, problem-solving, and decision-making

Pyschodynamic

Unconscious processes, early childhood experiences. Unconscious motives influence behavior. Emphasizes the unconscious mind, early childhood experiences, and internal conflicts. It views behavior as shaped by unconscious desires, memories, and relationships. Key concepts include the id, ego, and superego, repression, and defense mechanisms

Humanistic

Self-concept and human potential. People make free conscious choices based on their unique expereince. Centered on self-actualization and personal growth, this perspective, associated with Carl Rogers and Abraham Maslow, emphasizes free will, motivation, and the inherent goodness of people. It focuses on potential, personal values, and the desire to fulfill one’s potentia

Biological

Nervous system, glands, hormones, and genetic factors. Biological processes influence behavior and mental processes. Also called biopsychology, it focuses on the physical and biological bases of behavior. It explores how genetics, brain structure, the nervous system, hormones, and other physiological factors influence personality and behavior, often using tools like MRI and PET scans

Evolutionary

Physical traits, social behavior. Adaptive organisms survive and transmit their genes to future generations. This perspective looks at behavior and mental processes through the lens of natural selection and adaptation. It asks how traits and behaviors have evolved to help humans survive and reproduce

Sociocultural

Ethnicity, gender, culture, religion, socio-economic status. Sociocultural, biological, and psychological factors create individual differences. This approach examines how culture, society, and social context shape behavior. It contrasts individualistic (self-focused) and collectivistic (group-focused) cultures, and studies how cultural norms, values, and institutions influence thoughts and actions