Psychology views behavior through various perspectives.
Each perspective offers a unique approach to understanding human behavior.
These perspectives are foundational to psychology and will be revisited throughout the course.
Biological Perspective
Focuses on the biological underpinnings of behavior.
Behaviors and mental processes are results of physical matter (brain chemicals, brain areas, genetics, evolution).
Shift from dualism (mind and body separate) to monism (mind is the brain).
Understanding the brain helps in understanding behavior.
Cognitive Perspective
Concentrates on internal mental processes (thinking, emotions, memory).
Originated from Wilhelm Wundt's structuralism (individual elements of the mind).
Functionalism (William James) focused on the purpose of mental processes.
Gestalt psychology emphasizes seeing the bigger picture first.
Important in treating psychological disorders (e.g., depression, anxiety) by altering maladaptive thought processes.
Psychodynamic Perspective
Founded by Sigmund Freud.
Emphasizes the unconscious mind driving behavior.
Internal desires and instincts are repressed but influence behavior.
Introduced concepts like defense mechanisms and psychoanalysis.
Behavioral Perspective
Focuses on environmental influences on behavior.
Originates from classical conditioning (Pavlov) and operant conditioning (Watson, Skinner).
Behavior is shaped by reinforcements and punishments.
Humanistic Perspective
Proposes humans have free will and internal drives for self-improvement.
Concepts of self-actualization, self-esteem, and self-concept are central.
Related to the works of Abraham Maslow and Carl Rogers.
Social Cultural Perspective
Examines how social interactions and culture affect behavior.
Distinguishes between individualistic (e.g., North America, Eastern Europe) and collectivistic cultures (e.g., Asia, South America).
Behavior can differ when alone versus in a group setting.
Application and Assignment
Understanding and identifying perspectives is crucial for assignments and understanding psychology.
Perspectives guide which aspects of behavior are focused on (e.g., unconscious processes, thought processes, environment, social dynamics, self-improvement, biological factors).