7 psychology perspectives

cognitive

roots in Gestalt psychology, This area of psychology focuses on mental processes such as memory, thinking, problem solving, language and decision-making.

biophyschological

this point of view emphasizes the physical and biological bases of behavior, Researchers who take a biological perspective on psychology might look at how genetics influence different behaviors or how damage to specific areas of the brain influence behavior and personality.

behavioral

John B. Watson, later B.F. Skinner, Behavioral psychology is a perspective that focuses on learned behaviors. Behaviorism differed from many other perspectives because instead of emphasizing internal states, it focused solely on observable behaviors.

soicocultural

These psychologists and researchers look at human behavior across different cultures. By looking at these differences, we can learn more about how our culture influences our thinking and behavior.

humanistic

Carl Rogers and Abraham Maslow, this perspective emphasizes the role of motivation on thought and behavior, concepts such as self-actualization are an essential part of this perspective. Those who take the humanist perspective focus on the ways that human beings are driven to grow, change, and develop their personal potential.

evolutionary

is focused on the study of how evolution explains physiological processes. Psychologists and researchers take the basic principles of evolution, including natural selection, and apply them to psychological phenomena

pyschodynamic

Sigmund Freud, This view of psychology and human behavior emphasizes the role of the unconscious mind, early childhood experiences, and interpersonal relationships to explain human behavior.

structuralism

Wilhelm Wundt and Edward Titchener, in which focus of study is the structure or basic elements of the mind

functionalism

William James, in which the focus of study is how the mind allows people to adapt, live, work, and play

Gestalt psychology

focusing on perception and sensation, particularly the perception of patterns and whole figures, founded by Max Wertheimer

pyschoanalysis

Sigmund Freud, stressed importance of early life experiences, the role of unconscious, and development through stages

behaviorism

John B. Watson, focus on observable behavior