Modern Psychology Perspectives
The Big
Learning Target: Compare and contrast the seven major psychological perspectives.
Why do we do the things we do?
Why do we think the way we do?
Levels of Analysis – Biopsychosocial Model
EvolutionaryCharles Darwin – Inherited behaviors,
ensure survivalDavid Buss & Francis Galton – Genes
control behavior
Biological (Neuroscience)William JamesHow our body and brain create
memories, emotions, & sensory experiences
How genes interact w/environmentParts of the brain, nervous system
PsychodynamicFounded by Sigmund FreudUnconscious desires and urges drive
our behaviorConflicts from childhood
Behavioral (Learning)John Watson, B.F. SkinnerFocuses on OBSERVABLE behaviorsHow we learn behaviors
◦ Associations◦ Rewards & punishments◦ Observation
How to change or modify behaviors
CognitiveWilhelm Wundt, Jean Piaget, Herman
EbbinghausFocuses on mental processesHow we encode, process, store, &
retrieve infoPerception of the world around us
HumanisticFocuses on positive growth (get in
touch with our emotions)People are good by nature and have
free willMotivated to reach self-actualizationControl over choices
Abraham Maslow Carl Rogers
Socio-CulturalHow our behavior & thoughts are
influenced by society & culture
Even in the same high school, behaviors can change in accordance to the various subcultures.
Individualist v. CollectivistVariable Individualist Collectivist
Personal Identity Separate from others
Connected to others
Major Goals Self-defined; be unique; realize your personal potential; compete with others
Defined by others; belong; occupy your proper place; meet your obligations to others; be like others
Criteria for self-esteem
Ability to express unique aspects of the self; ability to be self-assured
Ability to restrain the self and be part of a social unit; ability to be modest
Sources of success and failure
Success comes from personal effort; failure, from external factors
Success is due to help from others; failure is due to personal faults
Major frame of reference
Personal attitudes, traits, and goals
Family, work group
Apply the PerspectivesHow would each approach
interpret alcoholism?How would each approach
interpret depression?How would each approach
interpret eating disorders?