Major Perspectives in Modern Psychology

These flashcards cover the nine major perspectives in modern psychology as outlined in the lecture notes, including their core definitions and what determines behavior according to each view.

Biological Perspective

The view that humans are complex biological systems responding to hereditary and environmental influences, where behavior is determined by brain structure, chemicals, and inborn responses to external cues for survival and reproduction. This view includes evolutionary Psychology and neuroscience.

Developmental Perspective

The study of predictable patterns of change throughout a person's life from "womb to tomb," emphasizing that behavior is determined by the interaction of nature (heredity) and nurture (environment). (NATURE AND NAUTURE)

Developmental Perspective

The study of predictable patterns of change throughout a person's life from "womb to tomb," emphasizing that behavior is determined by the interaction of nature (heredity) and nurture (environment). (NATURE AND NAUTURE)

Cognitive Perspective

The view that people are information-processing systems and that behavior is the result of mental interpretations of experiences, including how we perceive, think, and problem solve. How do senses influence behavior?

Psychodynamic/Psychoanalytic Perspective

A perspective emphasizing the unconscious mind, internal conflicts, repressed memories, and childhood experiences as the primary motivators of behavior and mental disorders.

Humanistic Perspective

A view that emphasizes human growth, potential, and the need for love and acceptance; it sees people as inherently good and motivated by self-concept, perceptions, and interpersonal relationships. How can counseling, therapy, and counseling be efficient?

Behavioral Perspective

The view that behavior is primarily shaped by learning and observable actions, governed by the "laws" of behavioral learning such as stimulus cues and the history of rewards and punishments.

Sociocultural Perspective

The study of how human behavior is interpreted in social contexts, heavily influenced by culture, social norms, expectations, and social learning.

Evolutionary Perspective

The view that behavior has developed and adapted over time, determined by natural selection and shared biological history.

Trait Perspective

A perspective where individual differences and behavior result from each person's unique combination of underlying stable characteristics or patterns known as traits.

Neuroscience

How the body and brain enable emotions, memories, and sensory experiences. Pain messages, neurons, moods, and blood chemistry.

Behavior genetics

How behavior springs from unconscious drives and conflicts. How do intelligence, personality, sexual orientation, and vulnerability come from the environment and affect us?