The seven contemporary theoretical perspectives of psychology

Psychoanalytic

Focuses heavily on the unconscious mind, repressed childhood memories, and psychosexual drives (sexual and aggressive instincts) as the primary motivators of behavior.

Psychodynamic

Retains the focus on the unconscious mind and childhood experiences, but de-emphasizes sexual motivation. Instead, it highlights social dynamics, interpersonal relationships, and ego development.

Behavioral Perspective (Behaviorism)

Reaction to the unscientific nature of psychoanalytic psychology. Defined psych as the study of OBSERVABLE behavior only (no thoughts, feelings, unconscious, etc) Believed that all behavior is a LEARNED RESPONSE (reinforced/punished through the environment)

Humanistic Perspective (Humanism)

• Reaction to behaviorism; sees humans as different from other animals

• Focus on:

  • the role of motivation on thought and behavior.

  • Human potential – the ability to be all that you can be

• “Unconditional positive regard” will help you become the best version of yourself

Cognitive Perspective

Focuses on mental processes: memory, thinking, problem solving, language and decision making.

• Cognition = thinking, knowing, remembering

• Humans act a certain way b/c of their thought processes 

• Therefore, we can’t understand behavior unless we understand how we acquire, store, and process information.

Biological / Neuroscience perspective 

Emphasizes the physical bases of behavior

• Genetics, the nervous system, hormones, and the brain influence thinking and behavior.

Evolutionary Perspective

• Natural selection favors behaviors that enhance an organism’s ability to survive and reproduce 

• We inherited certain behaviors from our ancestors b/c they helped our ancestors survive and reproduce.

Socio-cultural perspective

Behavior is heavily influenced by culture, social norms, expectations, and social learning.