Key Psychological Approaches Overview
Biological approach to psychology
Focus: brain and nervous system; Neuroscience studies structure, function, development, genetics, and biochemistry of the nervous system.
Central claim: brain and nervous system underpin behavior and mental processes.
Distinction: applies biology to psychology, emphasizing observable behavior through a biological lens; different from general biology.
Chapter will tackle many neuroscience topics; it’s very heavy science.
Behavioral approach
Emphasis on observable behavioral responses and their environmental determinants.
Environment refers to life circumstances and experiences shaping development (not ecosystems).
Notable figures: John B. Watson (studied overt behaviors); B. F. Skinner (Harvard; learning; reinforcement; operant conditioning).
Core idea: behavior is shaped by reinforcement and the surrounding environment.
Psychodynamic approach
Founded by Sigmund Freud; emphasizes unconscious processes, unresolved conflicts, and early childhood experiences shaping motivation and behavior.
Behavior reflects combinations of conscious and unconscious influences; unconscious drives influence thoughts and actions.
Method: case studies; focus on early childhood experiences; acknowledges controversy around some of Freud’s ideas.
Humanistic approach
Focuses on positive growth, human qualities, and freedom to choose one’s destiny.
Notable figures: Carl Rogers; Abraham Maslow.
Cognitive approach
Focus on mental processes: perception, memory, thinking, problem solving, and how we know things.
Relevance to language acquisition, learning, and information processing; ties to AI and human-like cognition.
Evolutionary approach
Based on Darwin: adaptation, reproduction, and natural selection.
Used to explain universal human behaviors; distinguishes from the biological approach by examining species-wide traits rather than individual differences.
Example: language acquisition tends to be most effective between and years.
Sociocultural approach
Examines social and cultural environments and their influence on behavior.
Includes cross-cultural comparisons; considers ethnic and cultural group differences; regional variations within countries.
Quick takeaway
There are major approaches to psychology, each with a distinct focus and methods.
Biological approach to psychology
Focuses on the brain, nervous system, and their role in behavior and mental processes, applying biological principles to psychology. Chapter covers neuroscience.
Behavioral approach
Emphasizes observable behavior and environmental influences. Key figures: John B. Watson and B. F. Skinner (operant conditioning, reinforcement). Behavior is shaped by environment and reinforcement.
Psychodynamic approach
Founded by Sigmund Freud, focusing on unconscious processes, unresolved conflicts, and early childhood experiences that shape behavior and motivation. Uses case studies.
Humanistic approach
Focuses on positive growth, human potential, and free will. Key figures: Carl Rogers, Abraham Maslow.