AP Psychology: Different Psychological Perspectives

Introduction

• Welcome to the Mr. Sin channel
• Overview of AP Psychology units
  • Five different units focusing on various aspects of psychology
• Explanation of Unit 0:
  • Focus on scientific practices and research methods
  • Goal: Familiarize with practices to aid learning and exam preparation

Psychodynamic Perspective

• Originated from Sigmund Freud
  • Initially known as psychoanalytic theory
• Focuses on:
  • The unconscious mind and early childhood experiences
  • Personalities shaped by unconscious motives
• Key concepts:
  • Analyzing dreams, free association, repressed memories
  • Free association: Triggers thoughts or memories based on a word/image
• Applications:
  • Exploring emotional issues and unresolved conflicts

Behaviorism

• Reaction against psychodynamic approach
  • Key figures: John B. Watson, Ivan Pavlov, B.F. Skinner
• Focuses on:
  • Observable behavior rather than mental processes
  • Environmental influences (reinforcement and punishment)
  • Modeling behavior based on observation of others
• Applications:
  • Used in therapy and education for behavior modification

Social-Cultural Perspective

• Focuses on:
  • Individual experiences and cultural influences
• Key concepts:
  • Cultural norms guide behaviors within groups
  • How family, religion, and society shape decisions
• Challenges:
  • Measuring culture itself can be difficult

Humanistic Perspective

• Led by Carl Rogers and Abraham Maslow
• Emphasizes:
  • Human potential for growth and self-actualization
  • Free will and optimism in individual development
• Applications:
  • Used in therapy for personal growth and self-esteem improvement

Cognitive Perspective

• Focuses on:
  • Inner thoughts, interpretation, processing, and memory
• Challenges:
  • Studying thought processes in an objective way is difficult
• Applications:
  • Utilized in cognitive behavioral therapy

Biological Perspective

• Focuses on:
  • Links between biological processes and psychological functions
  • Examines brain, neurotransmitters, hormones, and nervous system
• Applications:
  • Understanding neurological conditions and mental disorders

Biopsychosocial Perspective

• Combination of biological, psychological, and social factors
• Focuses on interconnectedness in understanding behaviors
• Applications:
  • Treatments considering emotional state and social environment

Evolutionary Perspective

• Based on Charles Darwin's theories
• Focuses on:
  • Natural selection and adaptation in influencing behavior
• Applications:
  • Understanding behaviors like fear responses

Conclusion

• Encouragement to apply perspectives to real-life scenarios
• Resources available: Ultimate review packet, practice quiz
• Next topic: Cultural norms and bias in research
• Thank you for watching from Mr. Sitton