Untitled Flashcards Set

EBQ Ready Psychological Perspectives, Theories, Concepts & Key Research

1. Biological Perspective

• Concept: Behavior influenced by genetics and brain activity.

• Evidence: Fessler et al. (2005) found increased disgust sensitivity in pregnant women due to evolutionary biological processes.

• Use: To explain behaviors linked to brain or genetic factors.

2. Behavioral Perspective

• Concept: Behavior learned through conditioning.

• Evidence: Pavlov’s dogs (classical conditioning), Skinner’s rats (operant conditioning).

• Use: Show how reinforcement or associations shape behavior.

3. Cognitive Perspective

• Concept: Mental processes drive behavior.

• Evidence: Loftus & Palmer (1974) on how memory can be altered by language.

• Use: To explain distortions in memory or decision-making.

4. Humanistic Perspective

• Concept: Emphasizes self-growth and free will.

• Evidence: Rogers’ client-centered therapy showed improved self-concept with unconditional positive regard.

• Use: To support therapy or motivation explanations.

5. Psychodynamic Perspective

• Concept: Unconscious conflicts influence behavior.

• Evidence: Freud’s case studies (e.g., Little Hans) show how childhood experiences affect later behavior.

• Use: To explain unconscious motives or defense mechanisms.

6. Evolutionary Perspective

• Concept: Behaviors are adaptations for survival.

• Evidence: Buss (1989) research on mate selection preferences across cultures.

• Use: To explain universal human behaviors.

7. Sociocultural Perspective

• Concept: Social and cultural environments shape behavior.

• Evidence: Asch’s conformity experiments demonstrate the power of social pressure.

• Use: To explain behavior in group or cultural contexts.

Theories & Concepts With Supporting Evidence

Important Research Studies to Cite

• Milgram (1963): Obedience to authority, 65% shocked to highest level.

• Asch (1951): Social conformity, 37% conformity rate.

• Bandura (1961): Observational learning and aggression.

• Loftus & Palmer (1974): Memory can be altered by misleading questions.

• Harlow (1958): Attachment in monkeys to soft mother vs wire mother.

• Seligman (1967): Learned helplessness in dogs.

• Ainsworth (1970): Attachment styles in Strange Situation.