Contemporary approaches
& questions to Psychology
BIOLOGICAL Behaviors are a
consequence of our
genetics & physiology
EVOLUTIONARYBehaviors developed
because they instinctually
helped our ancestors
adapt & survive
BEHAVIORALPast associations & the
environment are
strongest
influences on behavior
PSYCHODYNAMICBehavior is controlled by
impulses below the
surface of
consciousness
HUMANISTICBehavior is connected
to a person’s inner
feelings & self-image
COGNITIVEBehavior is a product of
Internal thought
processes (how we
handle information)
SOCIOCULTURALBehavior is influenced
by rules & expectations
of specific social groups
Psychology’s
Approaches
Contemporary Approaches to Psychology
Because no individual approach may explain human thought and behavior exclusively, psychologists often take a more integrated approach, known as the Biopsychosocial Approach.
Psychology’s Three Main
Levels of Analysis
Psychology’s Three Main
Levels of Analysis• Differing complementary views, from biological
to psychological to social-cultural used to analyze any given phenomenon.
Psychology’s Three Main
Levels of Analysis• Differing complementary views, from biological
to psychological to social-cultural used to analyze any given phenomenon.
• Biopsychosocial approach-an integrated approach that incorporates biological, psychological, and social-cultural levels of analysis.
Psychology’s Three Main
Levels of Analysis
Psychology’s Three Main
Levels of Analysis
Psychology’s Three Main
Levels of Analysis
Psychology’s Three Main
Levels of Analysis
Nature Vs. Nurture
“Nature-Nurture” Issue:• Debate of origin of personality
traits• “Nature” = Genes• “Nurture” = Experiences
Nature Vs. Nurture• Psychologists often debate the “Nature-Nurture” issue with
these types of questions:• How are we humans alike (because of our common biology and
evolutionary history) and diverse (because of our differing environments)?
• Are gender differences biologically predisposed or socially constructed?
• Is children’s grammar mostly innate or formed by experience?• How are differences in intelligence and personality influenced
by heredity and environment?• Are sexual behaviors more “pushed” by inner biology or
“pulled” by external incentives?• Should we treat psychological disorders – depression, for
example – as disorders of the brain, disorders of thought, or both?