Major Perspectives in Psychology The 7 Perspectives These

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Major Perspectives in Psychology

Major Perspectives in Psychology

The 7 Perspectives ○ These are the major division in psychology ○ Although they

The 7 Perspectives ○ These are the major division in psychology ○ Although they are presented as separate viewpoints, they are really like different ways of looking at the same issue. 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. Psychodynamic Perspective Behavioral Perspective Humanistic Perspective Cognitive Perspective Sociocultural Perspective Biochemical Perspective Evolutionary Perspective

Psychodynamic Perspective ○ Concentrates on the subconscious and how we deal with our subconscious

Psychodynamic Perspective ○ Concentrates on the subconscious and how we deal with our subconscious urges (sex & violence) ○ Much of our personality and behaviors are the result of unresolved issues from the past and childhood. ○ Childhood issues and traumas need to be resolved in order to heal.

Psychodynamic Perspective ○ Humans are controlled by their unconscious mind. The best way to

Psychodynamic Perspective ○ Humans are controlled by their unconscious mind. The best way to understand psychology is to look at the unconscious mind. How might someone develop a fear of closed spaces? How might someone develop a paraphilia for tattoos?

Behavioral Perspective ○ Concentrates on behaviors and learning. ○ People continue behaviors because of

Behavioral Perspective ○ Concentrates on behaviors and learning. ○ People continue behaviors because of rewards or stop because of punishments. ○ The subconscious is ignored. ○ We can never really see into someone’s mind. Therefore, psychology should only study observable behaviors. Can you ever really know what someone else is thinking?

Behavioral Perspective ○ ○ ○ How do we train dogs? Could we train a

Behavioral Perspective ○ ○ ○ How do we train dogs? Could we train a human in the same ways? Could you take 4 babies– and turn them into a doctor, a lawyer, a beggar and a thief?

Humanistic Perspective ○ Everyone is good, capable and looking for meaning in life ○

Humanistic Perspective ○ Everyone is good, capable and looking for meaning in life ○ People need to have positive selfimage and self-esteem. ○ Everyone is looking for love and fulfillment. The purpose of psychology should be to help people reach their potential. ○ Focus on the present instead of the past or future.

Humanistic Perspective ○ Deep down is everybody really good? ○ What about people who

Humanistic Perspective ○ Deep down is everybody really good? ○ What about people who have done really horrible things?

Cognitive Perspective ○ The Cognitive Perspective attempts to understand human behavior by analysis the

Cognitive Perspective ○ The Cognitive Perspective attempts to understand human behavior by analysis the way that people think; you are what you think. ○ Much of people’s problems come from faulty thinking and incorrect perceptions about reality. ○ Humans are really just very complex computers. The best way to understand psychology is to understand how we “process” information.

Cognitive Perspective ○ How is our brain like a computer? ○ Do you think

Cognitive Perspective ○ How is our brain like a computer? ○ Do you think that they will ever be able to create true artificial intelligence? ○ What illogical thoughts might someone who is depressed have?

Biochemical Perspective ○ ○ Concentrates on the link between medical anatomy and psychology. Everything

Biochemical Perspective ○ ○ Concentrates on the link between medical anatomy and psychology. Everything psychological is biological at it’s root. The brain, genetics, neurochemistry, hormones, nervous system, etc. Emphasis on treatment through medication. The best way to understand psychology is to look at how the human brain functions.

Biochemical Perspective ○ What advances have allowed us to see inside the brain? ○

Biochemical Perspective ○ What advances have allowed us to see inside the brain? ○ Would a brain in a jar be alive? What about if it couldn’t access any of the senses?

Sociocultural Perspective ○ Concentrates on the environment that surrounds a person. We do not

Sociocultural Perspective ○ Concentrates on the environment that surrounds a person. We do not psychologically develop in isolation. ○ Culture, Family, Society, etc. How does this shape someone’s psychology? ○ Humans are the product of their environment. The best way to understand psychology is to look at the environment and culture that surround a person.

Sociocultural Perspective ○ Would an uncontacted tribe have a different psychology than the rest

Sociocultural Perspective ○ Would an uncontacted tribe have a different psychology than the rest of the world? ○ Why or why not?

Evolutionary Perspective ○ Traits and behaviors that are useful are passed down through the

Evolutionary Perspective ○ Traits and behaviors that are useful are passed down through the generations. ○ The more successful behaviors allow people to be successful and reproduce. ○ Human behavior is based on millions of years of evolution. The best way to study psychology is by looking at how behaviors evolved.

Evolutionary Psychology ○ How would having anxiety have been evolutionarily advantageous?

Evolutionary Psychology ○ How would having anxiety have been evolutionarily advantageous?