Seven Major Perspectives in Psychology (Quick Reference)

Psychodynamic Perspective

• Focus: Unconscious thoughts, feelings, memories, and early childhood experiences in determining behavior
• Key figures: Sigmund Freud, Carl Jung, Alfred Adler, Erik Erikson, Karen Horney
• Core idea: Unconscious processes influence behavior and development

Behavioral Perspective

• Focus: Behavior as a response to environmental stimuli; mind not directly observable
• Key figures: John B. Watson, B.F. Skinner
• Core idea: Observable behavior is shaped by learning and reinforcement; environmental factors drive behavior

Cognitive Perspective

• Focus: Mental processes including perception, thinking, memory, judgments
• Core idea: Understanding behavior requires insight into internal mental processes
• Key figure: Jean Piaget

Sociocultural Perspective

• Focus: Influence of social situations and culture on thinking and behavior
• Key figures: Lev Vygotsky, Fritz Heider
• Core idea: Culture and social context shape cognition and behavior

Biological Perspective

• Focus: Biology (genetics, neurotransmitters, hormones, brain) as determinants of behavior and mental processes
• Key figure: Michael Gazzaniga
• Core idea: Biological processes underpin behavior and mental processes

Evolutionary Perspective

• Focus: Adaptation and survival as the basis of behavior and mental processes; natural selection
• Key figure: Charles Darwin
• Core idea: Cognitive traits and behaviors evolved via natural selection

Humanistic Perspective

• Focus: Individual potential for growth; holistic view of the person; self-concept
• Key figures: Carl Rogers, Abraham Maslow
• Core idea: People are inherently worthy and capable of growth; emphasis on free will and self-actualization