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Major Perspectives in Modern Psychology

Verywell / Emily Roberts

• Psychodynamic Perspective
• Behavioral Perspective
• Cognitive Perspective
• Biological Perspective
• Cross-Cultural Perspective
• Evolutionary Perspective
• Humanistic Perspective

Psychological perspectives are different ways of thinking about and explaining human behavior. Psychologists utilize a variety of perspectives when studying how people think, feel, and behave.

Some researchers focus more on one specific school of thought, such as the biological perspective, while others take a more eclectic approach that incorporates multiple points of view.

No single perspective is "better" than another. Instead, each simply emphasizes different aspects of human behavior.

This article explores seven of the major perspectives in psychology, where these perspectives originated, and how they attempt to explain psychological issues. It also provides examples of key ideas from each psychological perspective.

Major Perspectives

The early years of psychology were dominated by a succession of these different schools of thought. If you have taken a psychology course, you might remember learning about structuralism, functionalism , psychoanalysis, behaviorism, and humanism—all of which are different schools of psychological thought.

As psychology has grown, the number and variety of topics psychologists investigate have also expanded. Since the early 1960s, the field of psychology has flourished. It continues to grow rapidly, as has the depth and breadth of subjects studied by psychologists.

Psychological Perspectives Today

Few psychologists identify their outlook according to a particular school of thought. While there are still some pure behaviorists or psychoanalysts, the majority of psychologists today categorize their work according to their specialty area and perspective.

Purpose of Psychological Perspectives

Why are there so many different perspectives in psychology? It is important to remember that every topic in psychology can be looked at in many ways. For example, let's consider the subject of aggression.

• A professional who emphasizes a biological perspective would look at how the brain and nervous system impact aggressive behavior.
• A professional who stresses a behavioral perspective would look at how environmental variables reinforce aggressive actions.
• A professional who utilizes a cross-cultural approach might consider how cultural and social influences contribute to aggressive or violent behavior.

Here are seven of the major perspectives in modern psychology .

1. The Psychodynamic Perspective

The psychodynamic perspective originated with the work of Sigmund Freud . This view of psychology and human behavior emphasizes the role of the unconscious mind , early childhood experiences, and interpersonal relationships to explain human behavior, as well as to treat mental illnesses.

Much thanks to Freud's work and influence, psychoanalysis became one of the earliest major forces within psychology. Freud conceived of the mind as being composed of three key elements: the id, the ego, and the superego .

• The id is the part of the psyche that includes all the primal and unconscious desires.
• The ego is the aspect of the psyche that must deal with the demands of the real world.
• The superego is the last part of the psyche to develop and is tasked with managing all of our internalized morals, standards, and ideals.

While the psychodynamic perspective is not as dominant today, it continues to be a useful psychotherapeutic tool.  

2. The Behavioral Perspective

Behavioral psychology focuses on learned behaviors. It was founded on the work of psychologists such as Edward Thorndike and John B. Watson.   Behaviorism dominated psychology in the early twentieth century but began to lose its hold during the 1950s.

Behaviorism differs from other perspectives because it focuses solely on observable behaviors rather than on emphasizing internal states.

Today, the behavioral perspective is still concerned with how behaviors are learned and reinforced. Behavioral principles are often applied in mental health settings, where therapists and counselors use these techniques to explain and treat a variety of illnesses.

3. The Cognitive Perspective

During the 1960s, a new perspective known as cognitive psychology emerged. This area of psychology focuses on mental processes like memory, thinking, problem-solving, language, and decision-making.  

Influenced by psychologists such as Jean Piaget and Albert Bandura , the cognitive perspective has grown tremendously in recent decades.

Cognitive psychologists often utilize an information-processing model (comparing the human mind to a computer) to conceptualize how information is acquired, processed, stored, and utilized.

4. The Biological Perspective

The study of physiology played a major role in the development of psychology as a separate science. Today, the perspective is known as biological psychology (also called biopsychology or physiological psychology). The point of view emphasizes the physical and biological bases of behavior.

Researchers with a biological perspective on psychology might look at how genetics influence behavior or how damage to specific areas of the brain affect personality.

The nervous system, genetics, the brain, the immune system, and the endocrine system are just a few subjects of interest to biological psychologists. Over the last few decades, the perspective has grown significantly with advances in our ability to explore and understand the human brain and nervous system.

Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and positron emission tomography (PET) scans give researchers tools to observe the brain under a variety of conditions. Scientists can now look at the effects of brain damage, drugs, and disease in ways that were not possible in the past.

5. The Cross-Cultural Perspective

Cross-cultural psychology is a fairly new perspective that has grown significantly in the last twenty years. Psychologists and researchers in this school of thought look at human behavior across different cultures.

By looking at these differences, we can learn more about how culture influences our thinking and behavior.   For example, researchers have looked at how social behaviors differ in individualistic and collectivistic cultures .

• In individualistic cultures (such as the United States) people tend to exert less effort when they are part of a group—a phenomenon known as social loafing .
• In collectivistic cultures (such as China), people tend to work harder when they are part of a group.

6. The Evolutionary Perspective

Evolutionary psychology focuses on the study of how the theory of evolution can explain physiological processes.   Psychologists who take this perspective apply the basic principles of evolution (like natural selection) to psychological phenomena.

The evolutionary perspective suggests that these mental processes exist because they serve an evolutionary purpose—meaning that they aid in human survival and reproduction.​​​

7. The Humanistic Perspective

In the 1950s, a school of thought known as humanistic psychology arrived. It was greatly influenced by the work of prominent humanists such as Carl Rogers and Abraham Maslow .

The humanistic perspective emphasizes the role of motivation in thought and behavior. Concepts such as self-actualization are essential. Psychologists with a humanist perspective focus on what drives humans to grow, change, and develop their personal potential.

Positive psychology (which focuses on helping people live happier, healthier lives) is a recent movement in psychology with roots in the humanist perspective.  

A Word From Verywell

There are many ways to think about human thought and behavior. The different perspectives in modern psychology give researchers and students tools to approach problems and answer questions. They also guide psychologists in finding new ways to explain and predict human behavior. This exploration and deeper understanding can even lead to the development of new treatment approaches.

Fonagy P. The effectiveness of psychodynamic psychotherapies: An update .  World Psychiatry . 2015;14(2):137–150. doi:10.1002/wps.20235

Malone JC. Did John B. Watson really "found" behaviorism? .  Behav Anal . 2014;37(1):1–12. doi:10.1007/s40614-014-0004-3

Glenberg AM, Witt JK, Metcalfe, J. From the revolution to embodiment: 25 years of cognitive psychology . Perspectives on Psychological Science . 2013;8(5):573-585. doi:10.1177/1745691613498098

American Psychological Association. Biological psychology . 

Lonner WJ. Half a century of cross-cultural psychology: a grateful coda . Am Psychol . 2015;70(8):804-14. doi: 10.1037/a0039454

Cosmides L, Tooby, J. Evolutionary psychology: a new perspective on cognition and motivation . Annu Rev Psychol . 2013;64:201-229. doi:10.1146/annurev.psych.121208.131628

Waterman AS. The humanistic psychology-positive psychology divide: contrasts in philosophical foundations . Am Psychol . 2013;68(3):124-33. doi:10.1037/a0032168

By Kendra Cherry, MSEd Kendra Cherry, MS, is a psychosocial rehabilitation specialist, psychology educator, and author of the "Everything Psychology Book."

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The Seven Perspectives of Psychology

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7 Psychological Perspectives (Importance And Points Of View)

Psychology is the study of human behaviors. It studies the conscious and unconscious circumstances including the feelings and thought of a person. It has 7 psychological perspectives that psychologists use to determine different aspects of human behavior. Each of these perspectives focuses on specific points of view and each one has its own purpose.

Major Perspectives On Modern Psychology

• Psychodynamic perspective. This perspective which started from Sigmund Freud’s work, views that human behavior emphasizes the role of early childhood experiences, the unconscious mind, and interpersonal relationships to treat mental illnesses and explain human behavior. Freud believes that the human is composed of three elements; id, ego, and superego. 1.1 Id- known as the persona’s main source of initial and unconscious desires. 1.2 Ego- this psyche aspect is the one that deals with the pressure of the real world. 1.3 Superego- this part of the human psyche is the last to develop and is responsible for our internal morals, standards, and ideals.

• Behavioral perspective. This perspective is focused on humans’ learned behavior. Its main concern is learning how behaviors were learned and reinforced in an individual. Behavioral perspective is usually used by therapists in treating a mental health condition to explain the cause of the illness.
• Cross-cultural perspective. This particular perspective examines human behavior throughout different cultures. There are 2 components that researchers study in order to determine how culture affects our thinking and behavior. The first one is the individualistic culture while the second one is the collectivistic culture.
• Biological perspective. This area of psychology previously known as biopsychology or physiological psychology highlights the physical and biological bases of human behavior.  Biological psychologists study how genetics or damaged areas in the brain can affect behavior and personality. Some of its subjects include not only the brain but also the nervous system, the immune system, and the endocrine system. It uses tools such as magnetic resonance imaging and positron emission tomography to observe the brain.
• Humanistic perspective. The psychologists on this perspective focus on what makes human wants to change, grow, and develop their personality. This area of psychology examines the responsibility of motivation on behavior and thought, making self-actualization an essential concept.
• Evolutionary perspective. Psychologists who use this approach study how human evolution has an impact on psychological phenomena. This study proposes that human mental processes exist because of the purpose that they serve on evolution, including how they can aid human survival and reproduction.

Interesting Facts About Psychology

This area of study is fascinating in its own way. Psychology has a wide scope of studies when it comes to understanding and examining human behavior and personality. This is important in order for us to understand and know why someone reacts or behaves in a different manner. According to various researches, psychology claims interesting facts that we are not even aware of. Here are some of the cool things that psychology suggests:

• Violence is not in our nature. We are naturally empathetic the moment we gain consciousness.
• Race is not a biological but a social construct.
• The human body has the ability to heal on its own.
• We can reconstruct our memories .
• Multi-tasking is not possible at all.

No matter what our interests are, psychology is definitely one for the books. If you wish to know more compelling facts about psychology, modern technology has new ways to feed us tons of information.

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7 Major Perspectives In Psychology (Uses & Examples)

Psychological perspectives are numerous theoretical positions that have been created in the discipline of psychology to explain various facets of human behavior. Each viewpoint has its own distinct ideas, concepts, and procedures and is similar to a different lens used to observe and understand the psychological world. They all seek to provide answers to fundamental issues about human nature, including the reasons behind our actions, how we process information, and the factors that shape our attitudes and thought patterns.

Purpose of Psychological Perspectives

Like many other academic disciplines, psychology has numerous facets and is quite complex. Psychologists have evolved a number of unique views to make sense of the broad array of events relating to human behavior, thinking processes, and emotions. Each provides a unique perspective from which we can analyze and comprehend thought and action.

Major Psychology Perspectives

We shall examine seven key psychological views in this section. Each viewpoint will be explained, and its applications and illustrations will be covered.

The Psychodynamic Perspective

The psychodynamic perspective , pioneered by Sigmund Freud , stresses the impact of the unconscious mind on behavior. This point of view contends that internal factors, many of which have roots in our early experiences, interact to determine our feelings, ideas, and behaviors.

• Unconscious mind : The part of the mind that contains thoughts, feelings, desires, and memories of which individuals are not aware.
• Id, ego, and superego : The three components of the psychic apparatus defined in Freud's structural model of the psyche.
• Repression : The psychological attempt made by an individual to direct one's own desires and impulses toward pleasurable instincts by excluding them from one's consciousness and holding or subduing them in the unconscious.

Importance: The psychodynamic perspective is essential because it places a strong emphasis on the unconscious mind and how it affects behavior, thoughts, and feelings. 

Uses & Examples: Free association and dream analysis are two methods used by psychodynamic therapists to unearth suppressed memories or thoughts. An individual with a phobia, for instance, would be urged to investigate unresolved problems from their past that may be the cause of the phobia.

The Behavioral Perspective

Psychologists like B.F. Skinner have defended the behavioral perspective. Focus is placed on discernible behaviors by Skinner and John Watson . It makes the case that interactions with the environment play a role in both teaching and reinforcing behavior.

• Reinforcement: The process of increasing the likelihood of a specific behavior by administering a reward.
• Punishment: An adverse event or outcome that decreases the behavior it follows.
• Classical Conditioning: A type of learning where a stimulus acquires the capacity to evoke a response that was originally evoked by another stimulus.

Importance: The behavioral approach is significant because it places a strong emphasis on visible behavior . According to this viewpoint, every behavior is acquired through interactions with the environment.

Uses & Examples: Environmental influences on the reinforcement of behavioral patterns may be studied by behavioral psychologists . This viewpoint can be used in classroom token economies and other behavior modification strategies like systematic desensitization for phobias.

The Cognitive Perspective

Memory, perception, attention, and problem-solving are just examples of the mental processes that are addressed by the cognitive perspective. According to cognitive psychologists, our thought processes affect how we behave.

• Schema: A cognitive framework or concept that helps organize and interpret information.
• Cognitive Dissonance: The mental discomfort experienced by a person who holds two or more contradictory beliefs, ideas, or values.
• Perception : The organization, identification, and interpretation of sensory information to represent and understand the environment.

Importance: Understanding mental functions like memory, thought, problem-solving, and language requires an understanding of cognition.

Uses & Examples: By assisting patients in identifying and altering unhelpful thought patterns, cognitive therapy is frequently used to treat illnesses including depression and anxiety . For instance, a person with anxiety may learn to resist unreasonable anxieties or thoughts about the future.

Humanistic Perspective

The humanistic perspective places a strong emphasis on self-actualization , personal development, and the search for identity . It makes the supposition that people have free will, are morally upright by nature, and want to realize their full potential.

• Self-Actualization: The realization or fulfillment of one's talents and potentialities.
• Congruence: When a person's ideal self (who they want to be) is congruent with their actual behavior.
• Empathy: The ability to understand and share the feelings of another.

Importance: The humanistic perspective is significant because it emphasizes the idea of free will while focusing on the individual's subjective experiences and personal development. It is predicated on the idea that everyone has inherent goodness and the capacity for personal development.

Uses & Examples: Client-centered therapy is one tool that humanistic psychologists may employ to assist people in discovering their true identities and potential. This viewpoint has shaped therapies that concentrate on a person's particular needs, including gestalt therapy or person-centered therapy.

The Biological Perspective

The biological perspective explores the role that biological processes play in human behavior. It examines how genetics, brain structures, hormones, and neurotransmitters influence behavior and thought processes.

• Neurotransmitters: Chemicals in the brain that transmit signals between nerve cells.
• Hormones: Chemical substances that control and regulate the activity of certain cells or organs.
• Genetics: The study of heredity and the variation of inherited characteristics.

Importance: The biological perspective is vital for its focus on the biological substrates of behavior. It explores how brain function, neurotransmitters, hormones, and genetics influence our actions, thoughts, and feelings. Its purpose is to highlight the physical and biological bases for behavior.

Uses & Examples: This perspective is applied in fields like neuropsychology and behavioral genetics. For instance, researchers might investigate how brain damage might affect personality or how certain genetic factors might increase the risk for mental illness.

The Socio-Cultural Perspective

The socio-cultural perspective considers how society and culture influence our behavior and thinking. It suggests that our thoughts and behaviors must be understood in the context of our social and cultural environment.

• Cultural Norms: Rules that a specific group uses for stating what is seen as appropriate and inappropriate behavior, values, beliefs, and attitudes.
• Social Roles : Expectations for how individuals should behave in a particular social status.
• Social Identity: The portion of an individual's self-concept derived from perceived membership in a relevant social group.

Importance: The socio-cultural perspective is important because it emphasizes the impact of social and cultural factors on human behavior. 

Uses & Examples: Socio-cultural psychologists might examine how cultural norms influence behavior or how social pressures impact mental health. For example, they might study how body image perceptions differ across cultures.

The Evolutionary Perspective

The evolutionary perspective applies principles of evolution, like natural selection , to explain psychological processes and phenomena. It suggests that many mental processes and behaviors have developed because they were helpful for survival and reproduction.

• Natural Selection: The process in nature by which organisms better adapted to their environment tend to survive and transmit their genetic characteristics to succeeding generations.
• Evolutionary Psychology : The study of the evolution of behavior and the mind, using principles of natural selection.
• Adaptation: A change or the process of change by which an organism or species becomes better suited to its environment.

Importance: The evolutionary perspective is important for its emphasis on how evolution shapes behaviors and mental processes. 

Uses & Examples : Evolutionary psychologists might examine behaviors from an adaptive perspective—such as why fear responses evolved or how mating preferences have changed over time.

What is the most popular psychology perspective?

It might vary depending on the particular topic of psychology being discussed, making it difficult to identify the "most popular" perspective in psychology. But in recent years, the cognitive approach has become increasingly significant, especially in fields like cognitive behavioral treatment (CBT) and the comprehension of mental diseases.

What is a perspective in psychology by Sigmund Freud?

The majority of individuals link Sigmund Freud with the psychodynamic school of thought in psychology. This viewpoint places special emphasis on how early experiences, the unconscious mind, and the interaction of the id, ego, and superego all have an impact on behavior and thought processes.

Carlson, N. R. (2010). Psychology: the science of behaviour. Pearson Education Canada.

Fancher, R. E., & Rutherford, A. (2016). Pioneers of psychology. WW Norton & Company.

Freud, S. (1920). Beyond the pleasure principle . SE, 18: 1-64.

Gould, J. D., & Lewis, C. (1985). Designing for usability: key principles and what designers think. Communications of the ACM, 28(3), 300-311.

Maslow, A. H. (1943). A theory of human motivation. Psychological review, 50(4), 370.

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Theoretical Perspectives of Psychology (Psychological Approaches)

Saul Mcleod, PhD

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BSc (Hons) Psychology, MRes, PhD, University of Manchester

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On This Page:

There may be several theories within an approach, but they all share these assumptions.

The five major psychological perspectives are biological, psychodynamic, behavioral, cognitive, and humanistic, and provide different lenses through which phenomena are explained and analyzed.

You may wonder why there are so many different psychological approaches and whether one approach is correct and another wrong.

Most psychologists would agree that no one approach is correct, although in the past, in the early days of psychology, the behaviorist would have said their perspective was the only truly scientific one.

Each approach has its strengths and weaknesses, and brings something different to our understanding of human behavior.  For this reason, it is important that psychology does have different perspectives on the understanding and study of human and animal behavior.

Below is a summary of the six main psychological approaches (sometimes called perspectives) in psychology.

Behaviorist Perspective

If your layperson’s idea of psychology has always been about people in laboratories wearing white coats and watching hapless rats try to negotiate mazes in order to get to their dinner, then you are probably thinking about behavioral psychology.

Behaviorism is different from most other approaches because they view people (and animals) as controlled by their environment and specifically that we are the result of what we have learned from our environment.

The behaviorist perspective is concerned with how environmental factors (called stimuli) affect observable behavior (called the response).

The behaviorist perspective proposes two main processes whereby people learn from their environment: namely classical conditioning and operant conditioning. Classical conditioning involves learning by association, and operant conditioning involves learning from the consequences of behavior.

Classical conditioning (CC) was studied by the Russian psychologist Ivan Pavlov . Though looking into natural reflexes and neutral stimuli he managed to condition dogs to salivate to the sound of a bell through repeated associated with the sound of the bell and food.

The principles of CC have been applied in many therapies. These include systematic desensitization for phobias (step-by-step exposed to a feared stimulus at once) and aversion therapy.

B.F. Skinner investigated operant conditioning of voluntary and involuntary behavior. Skinner felt that some behavior could be explained by the person’s motive. Therefore behavior occurs for a reason, and the three main behavior shaping techniques are positive reinforcement, negative reinforcement, and punishment.

Behaviorism also believes in scientific methodology (e.g., controlled experiments), and that only observable behavior should be studied because this can be objectively measured. Behaviorism rejects the idea that people have free will, and believes that the environment determines all behavior.

Behaviorism is the scientific study of observable behavior working on the basis that behavior can be reduced to learned S-R (Stimulus-Response) units.

Behaviorism has been criticized in the way it under-estimates the complexity of human behavior. Many studies used animals which are hard to generalize to humans, and it cannot explain, for example, the speed in which we pick up language. There must be biological factors involved.

Psychodynamic Perspective

Who hasn’t heard of Sigmund Freud ? So many expressions of our daily life come from Freud’s theories of psychoanalysis – subconscious, denial, repression, and anal personality, to name only a few.

Freud believes that events in our childhood can have a significant impact on our behavior as adults. He also believed that people have little free will to make choices in life. Instead, our behavior is determined by the unconscious mind and childhood experiences.

Freud’s psychoanalysis is both a theory and therapy. It is the original psychodynamic theory and inspired psychologists such as Jung and Erikson to develop their own psychodynamic theories. Freud’s work is vast, and he has contributed greatly to psychology as a discipline.

Freud, the founder of psychoanalysis , explained the human mind as like an iceberg, with only a small amount of it being visible, that is our observable behavior, but it is the unconscious, submerged mind that has the most, underlying influence on our behavior.

Freud used three main methods of accessing the unconscious mind : free association, dream analysis and slips of the tongue .

He believed that the unconscious mind consisted of three components: the “ id” the “ego” and the “superego.”   The “id” contains two main instincts: “Eros”, which is the life instinct, which involves self-preservation and sex which is fuelled by the “libido” energy force. “Thanatos” is the death instinct, whose energies, because they are less powerful than those of “Eros” are channeled away from ourselves and into aggression towards others.

The “id” and the “superego” are constantly in conflict with each other, and the “ego” tries to resolve the discord. If this conflict is not resolved, we tend to use defense mechanisms to reduce our anxiety. Psychoanalysis attempts to help patients resolve their inner conflicts.

An aspect of psychoanalysis is Freud’s theory of psychosexual development . It shows how early experiences affect adult personality. Stimulation of different areas of the body is important as the child progresses through the important developmental stages. Too much or too little can have bad consequences later.

The most important stage is the phallic stage where the focus of the libido is on the genitals.  During this stage little boys experience the “ Oedipus complex “, and little girls experience the “ Electra complex .” These complexes result in children identifying with their same-sex parent, which enables them to learn sex-appropriate behavior and a moral code of conduct.

However, it has been criticized in the way that it over emphasizes the importance of sexuality and under emphasized the role of social relationships. The theory is not scientific, and can’t be proved as it is circular.

Nevertheless, psychoanalysis has been greatly contributory to psychology in that it has encouraged many modern theorists to modify it for the better, using its basic principles, but eliminating its major flaws.

Humanistic Perspective

Humanistic psychology is a psychological perspective that emphasizes the study of the whole person (know as holism).  Humanistic psychologists look at human behavior, not only through the eyes of the observer, but through the eyes of the person doing the behaving.

Humanistic psychologists believe that an individual’s behavior is connected to his inner feelings and self-image . The humanistic perspective centers on the view that each person is unique and individual, and has the free will to change at any time in his or her life.

The humanistic perspective suggests that we are each responsible for our own happiness and well-being as humans. We have the innate (i.e., inborn) capacity for self-actualization, which is our unique desire to achieve our highest potential as people.

Because of this focus on the person and his or her personal experiences and subjective perception of the world the humanists regarded scientific methods as inappropriate for studying behavior.

Two of the most influential and enduring theories in humanistic psychology that emerged in the 1950s and 1960s are those of Carl Rogers and Abraham Maslow .

Cognitive Perspective

Psychology was institutionalized as a science in 1879 by Wilhelm Wundt , who found the first psychological laboratory.

His initiative was soon followed by other European and American Universities. These early laboratories, through experiments, explored areas such as memory and sensory perception, both of which Wundt believed to be closely related to physiological processes in the brain.

The whole movement had evolved from the early philosophers, such as Aristotle and Plato. Today this approach is known as cognitive psychology .

Cognitive Psychology revolves around the notion that if we want to know what makes people tick then the way to do it is to figure out what processes are actually going on in their minds. In other words, psychologists from this perspective study cognition which is ‘the mental act or process by which knowledge is acquired.’

The cognitive perspective is concerned with “mental” functions such as memory , perception , attention , etc. It views people as being similar to computers in the way we process information (e.g., input-process-output). For example, both human brains and computers process information, store data and have input an output procedure.

This had led cognitive psychologists to explain that memory comprises of three stages: encoding (where information is received and attended to), storage (where the information is retained) and retrieval (where the information is recalled).

It is an extremely scientific approach and typically uses lab experiments to study human behavior. The cognitive approach has many applications including cognitive therapy and eyewitness testimony .

Biological Perspective In Psychology

The biological perspective states that all thoughts, feeling & behavior ultimately have a biological cause. It is one of the major perspectives in psychology and involves such things as studying the brain, genetics, hormones, and the immune and nervous systems.

Theorists in the biological perspective who study behavioral genomics consider how genes affect behavior. Now that the human genome is mapped, perhaps, we will someday understand more precisely how behavior is affected by the DNA we inherit.

Biological factors such as chromosomes, hormones and the brain all have a significant influence on human behavior, for example, gender .

The biological approach believes that most behavior is inherited and has an adaptive (or evolutionary) function. For example, in the weeks immediately after the birth of a child, levels of testosterone in fathers drop by more than 30 percent.

This has an evolutionary function. Testosterone-deprived men are less likely to wander off in search of new mates to inseminate. They are also less aggressive, which is useful when there is a baby around.

Biological psychologists explain behaviors in neurological terms, i.e., the physiology and structure of the brain and how this influences behavior.

Many biological psychologists have concentrated on abnormal behavior and have tried to explain it.  For example, biological psychologists believe that schizophrenia is affected by levels of dopamine (a neurotransmitter).

These findings have helped psychiatry take off and help relieve the symptoms of mental illness through drugs. However, Freud and other disciplines would argue that this just treats the symptoms and not the cause.

This is where health psychologists take the finding that biological psychologists produce and look at the environmental factors that are involved to get a better picture.

Evolutionary Psychology

A central claim of evolutionary psychology is that the brain (and therefore the mind) evolved to solve problems encountered by our hunter-gatherer ancestors during the upper Pleistocene period over 10,000 years ago.

The Evolutionary approach explains behavior in terms of the selective pressures that shape behavior. Most behaviors that we see/display are believed to have developed during our EEA (environment of evolutionary adaptation) to help us survive.

Observed behavior is likely to have developed because it is adaptive. It has been naturally selected, i.e., individuals who are best adapted to survive and reproduce. behaviors may even be sexually selected, i.e., individuals who are most successful in gaining access to mates leave behind more offspring.

The mind is therefore equipped with ‘instincts’ that enabled our ancestors to survive and reproduce.

A strength of this approach is that it can explain behaviors that appear dysfunctional, such as anorexia, or behaviors that make little sense in a modern context, such as our biological stress response when finding out we are overdrawn at the bank.

Perspectives Conclusion

Therefore, in conclusion, there are so many different perspectives in psychology to explain the different types of behavior and give different angles.  No one perspective has explanatory powers over the rest.

Only with all the different types of psychology, which sometimes contradict one another (nature-nurture debate), overlap with each other (e.g. psychoanalysis and child psychology) or build upon one another (biological and health psychologist) can we understand and create effective solutions when problems arise, so we have a healthy body and a healthy mind.

The fact that there are different perspectives represents the complexity and richness of human (and animal) behavior. A scientific approach, such as Behaviorism or cognitive psychology, tends to ignore the subjective (i.e., personal) experiences that people have.

The humanistic perspective does recognize human experience, but largely at the expense of being non-scientific in its methods and ability to provide evidence.  The psychodynamic perspective concentrates too much on the unconscious mind and childhood. As such, it tends to lose sight of the role of socialization (which is different in each country) and the possibility of free will.

The biological perspective reduces humans to a set of mechanisms and physical structures that are clearly essential and important (e.g., genes).  However, it fails to account for consciousness and the influence of the environment on behavior.

What is the difference between a psychological perspective and a field in psychology?

Psychology approaches refer to theoretical perspectives or frameworks used to understand, explain, and predict human behavior, such as behaviorism, cognitive, or psychoanalytic approaches.

Branches of psychology are specialized fields or areas of study within psychology, like clinical psychology, developmental psychology, or school psychology.

Understanding the 7 Perspectives of Psychology

Have you ever wondered why people behave the way they do? Or how our minds work to process information and emotions? These are just a few of the questions that psychology seeks to answer.

In this article, we will explore the 7 perspectives of psychology, including the biological, behavioral, cognitive, humanistic, psychodynamic, evolutionary, and sociocultural perspectives. We will also delve into how each perspective differs from the others, and how they can be applied in real-life situations to better understand behavior, improve relationships, and enhance personal growth.

So, if you’re curious about the inner workings of the human mind, keep reading to learn more about the fascinating world of psychology.

• 1 Key Takeaways:
• 2 What is Psychology?
• 3.1 Biological Perspective
• 3.2 Behavioral Perspective
• 3.3 Cognitive Perspective
• 3.4 Humanistic Perspective
• 3.5 Psychodynamic Perspective
• 3.6 Evolutionary Perspective
• 3.7 Sociocultural Perspective
• 4.1 Focus of Study
• 4.2 Key Theories and Concepts
• 4.3 Treatment Approaches
• 5.1 Understanding Behavior and Mental Processes
• 5.2 Improving Relationships and Communication
• 5.3 Enhancing Personal Growth and Development
• 6.1 What are the 7 Perspectives of Psychology?
• 6.2 How do the 7 Perspectives of Psychology differ?
• 6.3 In what ways do the 7 Perspectives of Psychology overlap?
• 6.4 Can one perspective fully explain human behavior?
• 6.5 Why is it important to understand the 7 Perspectives of Psychology?
• 6.6 How have the 7 Perspectives of Psychology evolved over time?

Key Takeaways:

• Understanding the 7 perspectives of psychology provides insight into the complexities of human behavior and mental processes.
• Each perspective offers a unique lens through which to view and understand human experience.
• These perspectives can be applied in real life to improve relationships, communication, and personal growth and development.

What is Psychology?

Psychology is the scientific study of behavior and mental processes, encompassing a wide range of topics such as cognition , emotion , perception, personality , and mental health .

Psychology delves into understanding how individuals think, feel, and act. It explores the intricate cognitive processes that shape our behavior, decision-making, and problem-solving.

Additionally, psychology sheds light on the complexities of emotional well-being . It addresses factors that influence emotions, stress, and coping mechanisms.

Furthermore, psychology plays a crucial role in identifying and treating a myriad of psychological disorders that impact millions worldwide. It offers insights into conditions such as depression, anxiety, and schizophrenia.

What are the 7 Perspectives of Psychology?

The field of psychology encompasses seven major perspectives that provide distinct frameworks for understanding human behavior and mental processes: behaviorism , cognitive , biological , humanistic , psychodynamic , evolutionary , and sociocultural perspectives.

Each perspective offers unique insights into the complex workings of the human mind and behavior.

Behaviorism focuses on observable behaviors and the environmental factors that influence them, emphasizing the role of reinforcement and conditioning in shaping actions.

The cognitive perspective delves into the intricate processes of thought, memory, and problem-solving, shedding light on how individuals perceive, process, and store information.

Meanwhile, the biological perspective explores the interplay between biological factors, such as genetics and brain structure, and their impact on behavior and mental health.

In contrast, the humanistic perspective underscores the significance of personal growth, self-actualization, and subjective experiences, championing individual agency and potential.

The psychodynamic perspective delves into unconscious drives, conflicts, and early childhood experiences, offering profound insights into the influence of the unconscious mind on behavior and emotions.

The evolutionary perspective examines how natural selection has shaped cognitive processes and behaviors over time, illuminating the adaptive advantages of certain psychological mechanisms.

The sociocultural perspective delves into the cultural, social, and environmental factors that mold behavior and shape psychological phenomena, emphasizing the profound impact of social norms, customs, and societal values.

Biological Perspective

The biological perspective in psychology examines behavior and mental processes through the lens of biological factors, including genetics , neurotransmitters, brain structure, and their influence on human behavior and mental health.

Genetic influences play a crucial role in shaping an individual’s predisposition towards certain behaviors and mental health disorders. It involves studying the heritability of traits, the impact of gene-environment interactions, and the role of genetic variations in susceptibility to specific conditions.

Neurobiological mechanisms, on the other hand, delve into the intricate workings of the brain and nervous system. This includes analyzing the functions of neurotransmitters, neural pathways, and brain regions in modulating behavior, emotions, and cognition.

Understanding these biological determinants has significant implications for identifying the etiology of various mental health disorders and shaping effective therapeutic interventions. It informs the development of psychopharmacological treatments, targeted neurological interventions, and personalized healthcare approaches.

Behavioral Perspective

The behavioral perspective , rooted in behaviorism, explores human behavior as a product of learned associations, environmental influences, and the impact of reinforcement and punishment on behavioral patterns.

Behaviorism, as a fundamental approach within psychology, focuses on observable behaviors rather than internal mental processes. It shapes its understanding of human behavior as primarily shaped by the environment and external stimuli.

This perspective emphasizes the role of conditioning processes in shaping individual responses to stimuli. It also places a strong emphasis on the principles of reinforcement and punishment in modifying and maintaining behavior patterns .

By studying the relationship between stimuli and responses , behaviorists strive to understand how humans learn and develop certain behaviors. This paves the way for the application of behaviorist principles in behavior modification techniques and interventions to bring about desired changes in individuals’ behaviors.

Cognitive Perspective

The cognitive perspective in psychology focuses on internal mental processes, such as perception, memory, problem-solving, and decision-making, and their role in shaping human behavior and experiences.

Psychology is the study of how people acquire, process, and store information. It aims to understand the complexities of the human mind and its functioning.

One aspect of psychology is investigating how mental representations, schemas, and problem-solving strategies impact learning, reasoning, and adaptive behaviors.

Humanistic Perspective

The humanistic perspective in psychology emphasizes the inherent dignity, potential for growth, and subjective experiences of individuals, aiming to understand human behavior and mental health from a holistic and person-centered approach.

Humanistic psychology focuses on the whole person and recognizes their unique experiences. It aims to uncover the depth of human potential, self-actualization, and promote mental well-being. This approach emphasizes personal agency, autonomy, and the ability to make positive choices that enhance one’s life and relationships.

In essence, humanistic psychology views individuals as active agents in their own development. It supports growth and transformation in various psychosocial rehabilitation settings.

Psychodynamic Perspective

The psychodynamic perspective , pioneered by Sigmund Freud, explores the influence of unconscious drives, conflicts, and early childhood experiences on behavior, personality development, and psychological disorders.

Freudian concepts such as the id, ego, and superego are central to the psychodynamic perspective, emphasizing the dynamic interplay between conscious and unconscious mental processes.

Psychoanalysis, as a therapeutic intervention derived from psychodynamic theories, aims to bring unconscious conflicts and repressed memories to the surface, fostering self-understanding and emotional healing.

Within psychology, the psychodynamic perspective continues to evolve, with contemporary therapists integrating interpersonal, relational, and object relations theories to enhance the effectiveness of psychodynamic therapeutic approaches.

Evolutionary Perspective

The evolutionary perspective in psychology investigates the adaptive functions of human behavior and psychological traits, drawing insights from evolutionary biology to understand the origins and survival value of human traits and behaviors.

This perspective applies Darwin’s theory of natural selection to explain how certain behaviors or psychological mechanisms have evolved to enhance survival and reproduction.

By examining evolutionary psychology principles, psychologists explore how traits such as altruism, aggression, and mate selection have provided advantages for ancestral populations and have been passed down through generations.

The implications of evolutionary theory on human behavior and decision-making shed light on why individuals may display certain preferences or biases that have aided in their ancestors’ survival.

Sociocultural Perspective

The sociocultural perspective in psychology examines the influence of cultural norms , societal factors, and social contexts on human behavior, cognition, and mental health, emphasizing the interplay between culture and individual experiences.

The study focuses on the influence of cultural diversity on psychological processes and emphasizes the importance of using multicultural therapy approaches to meet the needs of individuals from diverse cultural backgrounds. Cross-cultural psychology, a key aspect of this perspective, examines how various cultures shape cognitive processes, attitudes, and behaviors. It also reveals how individuals from different cultural backgrounds perceive and react to societal norms and expectations.

How do these Perspectives Differ from Each Other?

Each of the seven major perspectives in psychology offers unique frameworks and theoretical foundations, differing in their approaches to understanding human behavior, mental processes, and the application of psychological principles.

For instance, the behavioral perspective focuses on observable behavior and the influence of the environment, often employing experimentation and behavior analysis.

On the other hand, the cognitive perspective delves into internal mental processes such as thinking, memory, and problem-solving, using methods like introspection and cognitive experiments to understand these processes.

The biological perspective emphasizes the role of genetics, neurochemistry, and the nervous system in shaping behavior and cognition, often employing techniques such as brain imaging and genetic studies.

In contrast, the humanistic perspective emphasizes the unique qualities of each individual, focusing on personal growth and self-actualization through methods like client-centered therapy and positive psychology interventions.

Focus of Study

The major perspectives of psychology differ in their primary focus of study, encompassing diverse areas such as biological determinants , environmental influences , cognitive processes, cultural contexts , and unconscious motivations .

Biological perspective centers on understanding behavior and mental processes through the lens of genetics, neurobiology, and the physiological aspects of the brain and body. It scrutinizes the impact of genetic predispositions, brain structures, and neurotransmitter functions on individual differences and psychological phenomena.

Environmental perspective highlights the role of external stimuli and experiences in shaping behavior and cognition, emphasizing the impact of family dynamics, social interactions, cultural norms, and societal influences on individuals’ development and mental well-being.

Cognitive perspective delves into mental processes such as perception, thinking, memory, and problem-solving, exploring how individuals acquire, organize, and use information to navigate their environment and understand the world around them.

Cultural perspective examines the influence of cultural values, traditions, and norms on psychological phenomena, recognizing the significance of cultural diversity and its impact on human behavior, emotions, and cognitive processes.

Psychodynamic perspective focuses on the unconscious determinants of behavior, emphasizing the role of early childhood experiences, repressed emotions, and inner conflicts in shaping individuals’ personalities, motivations, and psychological disorders.

Key Theories and Concepts

The major perspectives of psychology are underpinned by distinct theories and conceptual frameworks, reflecting their unique approaches to explaining human behavior, cognitive processes, and mental health phenomena.

For instance, the psychodynamic perspective emphasizes the role of unconscious forces, childhood experiences, and internal conflicts in shaping behavior. This perspective draws from Freud’s psychoanalytic theory as its foundational principle.

On the other hand, the behavioral perspective focuses on observable behaviors and seeks to understand them through the principles of conditioning and reinforcement. These concepts are central to the behavioral framework.

Treatment Approaches

The major perspectives of psychology inform diverse treatment approaches and therapeutic interventions, ranging from biological interventions to behavioral modification techniques and psychodynamic therapies, reflecting the multifaceted nature of psychological treatment.

Each major perspective brings a unique set of therapeutic interventions and clinical applications.

For instance, the biological perspective focuses on the influence of genetics and neurochemistry on psychological disorders, leading to treatments such as medication and electroconvulsive therapy.

Conversely, behavioral interventions emphasize the role of conditioning and learning in shaping behaviors, employing techniques like reinforcement and exposure therapy.

Similarly, the psychodynamic perspective delves into unconscious conflicts and early experiences, employing methods such as free association and dream analysis.

Understanding these perspectives is vital for tailoring effective psychological treatments to individuals’ specific needs.

How Can These Perspectives be Applied in Real Life?

The various perspectives in psychology offer practical applications for understanding human behavior, improving communication, and promoting personal growth and development in real-life contexts.

For example, the behavioral perspective can help individuals modify their behaviors by understanding how they are learned and reinforced. This can be applied in everyday life to break bad habits or establish positive routines.

On the other hand, the cognitive perspective can aid in understanding how people perceive, think, and solve problems, which is crucial for effective communication and conflict resolution in relationships.

Understanding Behavior and Mental Processes

The perspectives of psychology provide valuable insights for understanding the complexities of human behavior, cognitive processes, emotional experiences, and the underlying mechanisms that shape individual and collective actions.

By examining behavior through the lenses of different psychological perspectives, one can gain a deeper understanding of the multifaceted nature of human interactions, reactions, and decision-making processes.

Cognitive psychology delves into the intricate workings of the mind, exploring how individuals process information, make decisions, and solve problems. Social psychology elucidates the impact of social influences on human behavior, shedding light on phenomena like conformity, obedience, and group dynamics.

Understanding emotional experiences through the psychodynamic perspective allows insights into the subconscious motivations that drive behaviors. These diverse viewpoints collectively enrich the comprehension of human behavior and mental processes.

Improving Relationships and Communication

The perspectives of psychology offer valuable insights for enhancing interpersonal relationships, improving communication skills, and fostering empathy and understanding in social interactions and personal connections.

By understanding the cognitive and emotional aspects within relationships, individuals can apply principles of psychology to navigate challenges, resolve conflicts, and build mutual respect.

Whether through the lens of behavioral, humanistic, or psychodynamic theories, psychology equips individuals with tools to recognize non-verbal cues, empathize with diverse perspectives, and adapt communication styles to create meaningful connections.

Incorporating social psychology frameworks into relationship dynamics can help individuals comprehend group dynamics, social influence, and the impact of cultural factors on interpersonal interactions.

Applying these insights can enhance emotional intelligence, promote inclusivity, and foster harmonious relationships built on understanding and compassion.

Enhancing Personal Growth and Development

The perspectives of psychology contribute to personal growth and development by offering frameworks for self-exploration, goal setting, resilience-building, and the cultivation of positive psychological attributes that foster holistic well-being.

Through the lens of cognitive psychology, individuals can better understand how their thoughts influence emotions and behaviors, allowing them to challenge negative thinking patterns and develop more adaptive cognitive processes.

Incorporating principles from humanistic psychology encourages individuals to embrace their unique qualities, recognize their intrinsic worth, and strive for personal growth in alignment with their authentic selves.

Applying social psychology concepts aids in understanding how social interactions, support networks, and connections contribute to one’s sense of belonging and psychological resilience.

By integrating these diverse perspectives of psychology, individuals can cultivate a growth-oriented mindset, enhance their emotional intelligence, and foster the development of positive attributes, such as empathy, optimism, and gratitude.

Frequently Asked Questions

The 7 Perspectives of Psychology are the different lenses or approaches used to understand and explain human behavior and mental processes. They include the biological, behavioral, cognitive, psychodynamic, humanistic, evolutionary, and sociocultural perspectives.

How do the 7 Perspectives of Psychology differ?

Each perspective focuses on a specific aspect of human behavior and uses unique theories, methods, and principles to explain it. They also vary in their emphasis on nature vs. nurture, individual vs. environment, and conscious vs. unconscious influences.

In what ways do the 7 Perspectives of Psychology overlap?

While the perspectives offer distinct viewpoints, they are not mutually exclusive. Many psychologists use a combination of perspectives to gain a comprehensive understanding of human behavior. For example, the biological and cognitive perspectives work together to study the brain-behavior relationship.

Can one perspective fully explain human behavior?

No, each perspective has its limitations and cannot fully explain the complexity of human behavior. To truly understand human behavior, it is necessary to consider multiple perspectives and their interactions.

Why is it important to understand the 7 Perspectives of Psychology?

Understanding the 7 Perspectives of Psychology allows for a more holistic and comprehensive understanding of human behavior. It also helps psychologists to approach research and treatment from different angles, leading to more effective interventions.

How have the 7 Perspectives of Psychology evolved over time?

The 7 Perspectives of Psychology have evolved and developed over the years as new research and theories emerge. For example, the humanistic and evolutionary perspectives are relatively new compared to the more established biological and psychodynamic perspectives.

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AP® Psychology

Psychological perspectives for ap® psychology.

• The Albert Team
• Last Updated On: March 1, 2022

The one constant throughout the entire AP® Psychology exam (and throughout the field of psychology as a whole) is that there are several different viewpoints, or perspectives, about how to think about and interpret human behavior. Whether you are talking about Sigmund Freud or Abraham Maslow, there has been a multitude of varying opinions on why humans act the way they do.

At this point in modern psychology, the varying viewpoints on human behavior have been split into eight different perspectives: biological, behavioral, cognitive, humanistic, psychodynamic, sociocultural, evolutionary, and biopsychosocial. Having an understanding of each of these perspectives is a great way to increase your understanding of the various psychologists, theories, and disorders that you need to know for the AP® Psychology exam. And the best way to do well on the AP® Psychology exam is through understanding rather than straight memorization. That is why we are giving you a brief overview of each psychological perspective!

For most of the perspectives listed we have a more in-depth explanation available, but whether you are crunched for time, or you just need a quick review, this list of Psychological Perspectives for AP® Psychology will give you what you need.

Biological Perspective

To understand what the biological perspective (also known as the neuroscience perspective) is all about, you simply have to look at the name. Bio-psychologists base their explanations of human behavior solely regarding an individual’s biological processes. The three main causes of our thoughts and behaviors in a biological perspective are our genetics, hormones, and neurotransmitters. This means that our behaviors are not so much our choice, but a result of our genetic background, nervous system, and immune system.

A psychologist looking through the biological perspective would explain an individual’s extroverted behavior as a result of their genetic makeup from their parents, and the subsequent effect of those genes on certain neurotransmitters in their brain.

Our crash course review on the biological perspective offers a more detailed explanation.

Behavioral Perspective

Behaviorists and the behavioral perspective, in general, is heavily based on observable behaviors and actions; unlike some of the other perspectives, the behavioral perspective does not pay attention to cognitive processes because they are not observable. The behavioral perspective explains behavior through conditioning (such as classical conditioning ). Essentially, a behavioral psychologist will say that all behavior is learned.

A behavioral psychologist would explain an individual’s introverted behavior through what they have rewarded or punished for in the past. Maybe the individual has been punished in the past for attempting to extend their social circle, or they were rewarded in some way for withdrawing from social interaction. Find out more about the behavioral perspective with our crash course review .

Cognitive Perspective

Unlike the behavioral perspective, the cognitive perspective (as you would guess) is all about our cognitive processes. A cognitive psychologist looks at an individual’s behavior as a result of the way the individual interprets, perceives, and remembers the events and occurrences around them. Essentially, in order to understand an individual’s behavior and actions, you have to understand how they are processing the world around them and also why they are processing it in the way they are. This theory is heavily based on memory and perception as well.

For an individual with introverted behavior, a cognitive psychologist would look at it as how the individual interprets the social situations they are placed in; maybe the individual interprets people asking questions about their life as that they are judgemental, so they withdraw from social interaction.

You can find a more detailed look into the cognitive perspective with the crash course review on our blog.

Humanistic Perspective

The humanistic perspective was inspired mostly by Abraham Maslow and Carl Rogers, who both emphasized their psychological viewpoint on free will and individual choice. The general humanistic perspective is also heavily based on Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs (tip: Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs is a very important theory in psychology, always expect a question on it for the AP® Psychology exam). This theory essentially states that for a person to reach their full potential, they need to gain each of the five steps or needs. They are (in order) physiological needs, safety needs, love and belonging needs, esteem needs, and self-actualization needs. In general, the humanistic perspective looks at human behavior as a whole, and that we are in control and chose the majority of our behaviors.

An example of how a humanistic psychologist would approach something is that they may say an introverted person may be choosing to limit their social circle because they find their needs are better met with a smaller group of friends. A critique of this perspective is that it is difficult to test with experiments and through the scientific method.

A more detailed look into the humanistic perspective is also available in our crash course review .

Psychodynamic Perspective

The psychodynamic (or psychoanalytic) perspective relies heavily on how the past has affected an individual’s psychological states. Psychologists who use this perspective believe that our unconscious mind (similar to Freud) is what controls the majority of our cognition and behavior.

Another way of explaining this perspective is that psychodynamic psychologists believe that the reason for anything that an individual does has to do with something in their past. To overcome something in the present, the individual simply has to understand what has happened to them in the past. This is one of the simplest perspectives, however, it is one of the most controversial. In using the same example, a psychodynamic psychologist would explain that an introverted person limiting their social interactions is due to childhood embarrassment or anxiety with social interactions.

Find a more detailed explanation of the psychodynamic perspective with our crash course review .

Sociocultural Perspective

For the sociocultural perspective, psychologists look at an individual’s behavior based on the influence of the individual’s culture. Essentially, this perspective looks at how individuals interact with their social and cultural groups, as well as how these groups influence an individual’s behavior. A social-cultural psychologist would look at an individual’s introverted or extroverted behavior as a result of the cultural rules of social interaction. A person may seem introverted, but in reality, they are following the social norms they have learned from their culture.

For a more detailed look at the sociocultural perspective, check out our crash course review .

Evolutionary Perspective

The evolutionary perspective is based on Charles Darwin’s theory of natural selection. So, an individual’s thoughts and behaviors are based on what would give them the best chance of survival; subsequently, the behaviors that give the best chance of survival are passed on to further generations. An evolutionary psychologist would explain an extroverted behavioral trait as an evolutionarily advantage. If someone is outgoing and extroverted, they could make friends and allies who could protect them and increase their chance for survival.

You can find a more in-depth look into the evolutionary perspective with our crash course review .

Biopsychosocial Perspective

The biopsychosocial perspective is exactly what it sounds like; it is an integrated approach that uses the biological, psychological, and socio-cultural perspective in order to determine causes of behavior and cognitive processes. This perspective is a much more holistic approach to understanding behavior and attributes it to multiple causes rather than a specific approach like the other perspectives.

A psychologist who follows this perspective would look at introverted behavior as a result of genetics and biological processes, or past unrealized experiences, or social-cultural norms, or a combination of all three.

Psychological Perspectives on the AP® Psychology Exam

Understanding the various psychological perspectives is very important for success on the AP® Psychology exam. How any psychological concept, theory, or disorder is looked at comes through the lens of any of the psychological perspectives.

While a question on the psychological perspectives hasn’t come up in recent FRQ’s, it is still likely that you could have to use one of the perspectives as a way to relate to a given scenario. While the history and approaches portion of AP® Psychology only counts for 2-4% of the exam, it is still likely that you will get a multiple choice question relating to one of the perspectives. A multiple choice question may look like one of these examples (found in the Barron’s AP® Psychology review):

1. Behaviorists explain human thought and behavior as a result of

• past conditioning
• unconscious behavioral impulses
• natural selections
• biological processes
• individual choice.

2. In what way might a behaviorist disagree with a cognitive psychologist about the cause of aggression?

• A behaviorist might state that aggression is caused by memories or ways we think about aggressive behavior, while a cognitive psychologist might say aggression is caused by a past repressed experience.
• A behaviorist might state that aggression is a behavior encouraged by our genetic code, while a cognitive psychologist might state that aggression is caused by memories or ways we think about aggressive behavior.
• A behaviorist might state that aggression is caused by past rewards for aggressive behavior, while a cognitive psychologist might believe aggression is caused by an expressed desire to fulfill certain life needs.
• A behaviorist might state that aggression is caused by past rewards for aggressive behavior, while a cognitive psychologist might believe aggression is caused by memories or ways we think about aggressive behavior.
• A behaviorist would not disagree with a cognitive psychologist about aggression because they both believe that aggressive behavior is caused by the way we cognitively process certain behaviors.

The correct answer to question 1 is A, past conditioning. Behaviorists explain actions as learned behavior due to past conditioning (operant or classical).

The correct answer to question 2 is D, a behaviorist might state that aggression is caused by past rewards for aggressive behavior, while a cognitive psychologist might believe aggression is caused by memories or ways we think about aggressive behavior. This is because a behavioral psychologist is going to look at what we have been rewarded or punished for, while a cognitive psychologist wants to explain actions in terms of the way we interpret our environment.

The psychological perspectives are a great way to tie together everything you’ve learned in psychology. For each perspective, you should understand the basis of the viewpoint, as well as the application to a psychological situation.

So that’s it for this review on Psychological Perspectives for AP® Psychology! If you want to look into any of the perspectives further, click on the links in each section of this article. Are you struggling with any other topics for AP® Psychology? We have a supply of crash course reviews that are made to help you break down specific concepts before the exam.

Let’s put everything into practice. Try this AP® Psychology practice question:

Looking for more ap® psychology practice.

Check out our other articles on  AP® Psychology .

You can also find thousands of practice questions on Albert.io. Albert.io lets you customize your learning experience to target practice where you need the most help. We’ll give you challenging practice questions to help you achieve mastery of AP Psychology.

Start practicing here .

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How to Write a Great Psychology Essay

Categories Psychology Education

Writing a great psychology essay takes skill. You need good research skills to provide an adequate empirical background. You also need to put your analytical skills to work to evaluate the research and then build a coherent argument. If you are not used to writing psychology essays, it can be a little challenging at first (especially if you are also learning how to use APA format).

Remember, the skill of writing an exceptional psychology essay lies not only in presenting information, but also in synthesizing and explaining it effectively. If you need to write a psychology essay for a class, here are some tips to help you get started.

Table of Contents

Key Takeaways

• Craft a strong thesis statement highlighting the main points of your psychology essay.
• Incorporate research studies to support arguments and critically evaluate their validity and reliability.
• Structure the essay with a clear introduction, focused body paragraphs, and a compelling conclusion.
• Include critical analysis by evaluating research methodologies, strengths, weaknesses, and ethical considerations.

What to Include in an APA Format Essay

To craft a great psychology essay, it’s important to make sure you follow the right format. While your instructor may have specific instructions, the typical format for an essay includes the following sections:

• The title page
• The abstract
• The introduction
• The main body
• The reference section

Mastering the key components of a psychology essay is vital for crafting a compelling and academically sound piece of writing. To start, a good introduction sets the stage for your essay, providing a clear overview of what will be discussed.

Moving on to the main body, each paragraph should focus on a main theme, supported by evidence from research studies published in peer-reviewed journals. It’s pivotal to critically evaluate these studies, considering their validity, reliability, and limitations to strengthen your arguments.

Incorporating research studies not only adds credibility to your essay but also demonstrates a deep understanding of theoretical perspectives in psychology.

The Structure of a Psychology Essay

Each section of a psychology essay should also follow a specific format:

The Title Page

The title page is the first impression of your essay, and it should be formatted according to APA guidelines. It typically includes:

• The title of your essay : Make sure it’s concise, descriptive, and gives the reader an idea of its content.
• Your name : Place your full name below the title.
• Institutional affiliation : This usually refers to your university or college.
• Course number and name : Include the course for which the essay is being written.
• Instructor’s name : Write the name of your instructor.
• Due date : Indicate the date when the essay is due.

The Abstract

The abstract is a brief summary of your essay, typically around 150-250 words. It should provide a snapshot of the main points and findings. Key elements include:

• Research topic : Briefly describe what your essay is about.
• Research questions : Outline the main questions your essay addresses.
• Methodology : Summarize the methods used to gather information or conduct research.
• Results : Highlight the key findings.
• Conclusion : Provide a concise conclusion or the implications of your findings.

The Introduction

The introduction sets the stage for your essay, providing context and outlining the main points. It should include:

• Hook : Start with an interesting fact, quote, or anecdote to grab the reader’s attention.
• Background information : Provide necessary context or background information on your topic.
• Thesis statement : Clearly state the main argument or purpose of your essay.
• Overview of structure : Briefly outline the structure of your essay to give the reader a roadmap.

The Main Body

The main body is the core of your essay, where you present your arguments, evidence, and analysis. It should be well-organized and divided into sections with subheadings if necessary. Each section should include:

• Topic sentences : Start each paragraph with a clear topic sentence that introduces the main idea.
• Evidence : Provide evidence to support your arguments, such as data, quotes, or studies.
• Analysis : Analyze the evidence and explain how it supports your thesis.
• Transitions : Use transitions to ensure a smooth flow between paragraphs and sections.

The Reference Section

The reference section is crucial for giving credit to the sources you used and for allowing readers to locate the sources themselves. It should follow APA format and include:

• Alphabetical order : List all sources alphabetically by the author’s last name.
• Proper citation format : Follow APA guidelines for formatting each type of source (books, articles, websites, etc.).
• Hanging indent : Ensure that each reference entry has a hanging indent.

By following these guidelines, you can ensure that your psychology essay is well-structured, informative, and adheres to APA format.

Using Research in Your Psychology Essay

To strengthen the arguments in your psychology essay, it’s essential to incorporate relevant research studies that provide credibility and depth to your analysis. Utilizing research studies not only enhances the validity of your points but also demonstrates a deeper understanding of the topic at hand.

When integrating research into your essay, remember to include citations for each study referenced to give proper credit and allow readers to explore the sources further.

It is also important to evaluate the research studies you include to assess their validity, reliability, and any ethical considerations involved. This helps you determine the trustworthiness of the findings and whether they align with your argument.

Be sure to discuss any ethical concerns, such as participant deception or potential harm, and showcase a thoughtful approach to utilizing research in your essay.

Analyzing the Research Critically

When writing a psychology essay, using high-quality research sources and analyzing them critically is crucial. This not only strengthens your arguments but also ensures the credibility and reliability of your work. Here are some guidelines to help you critically analyze sources and use them appropriately:

Evaluating the Credibility of Sources

• Authorship : Check the credentials of the author. Are they an expert in the field? Do they have relevant qualifications or affiliations with reputable institutions?
• Publication Source : Determine where the research was published. Peer-reviewed journals, academic books, and respected organizations are considered reliable sources.
• Date of Publication : Ensure the research is current and up-to-date. In psychology, recent studies are often more relevant as they reflect the latest findings and theories.
• Citations and References : Look at how often the source is cited by other scholars. A frequently cited source is generally more credible.

Assessing the Quality of the Research

• Research Design and Methodology : Evaluate the research design. Is it appropriate for the study’s aims? Consider the sample size, controls, and methods used.
• Data Analysis : Check how the data was analyzed. Are the statistical methods sound and appropriate? Were the results interpreted correctly?
• Bias and Limitations : Identify any potential biases or limitations in the study. Authors should acknowledge these in their discussion.

Synthesizing Information from Multiple Sources

• Comparing Findings : Compare findings from different sources to identify patterns, trends, or discrepancies. This can help you understand the broader context and the range of perspectives on your topic.
• Integrating Evidence : Integrate evidence from various sources to build a comprehensive argument. Use multiple pieces of evidence to support each point or counterpoint in your essay.

Citing Sources Appropriately

• In-Text Citations : Follow APA guidelines for in-text citations. Include the author’s last name and the year of publication (e.g., Smith, 2020).
• Direct Quotes and Paraphrasing : When directly quoting, use quotation marks and provide a page number. For paraphrasing, ensure you rephrase the original text significantly and still provide an in-text citation.
• Reference List : Include a complete reference list at the end of your essay, formatted according to APA guidelines.

Using Sources to Support Your Argument

• Relevance : Ensure each source directly relates to your thesis or the specific point you are discussing. Irrelevant information can distract from your argument.
• Strength of Evidence : Use the strongest and most persuasive evidence available. Prioritize high-quality, peer-reviewed studies over less reliable sources.
• Balance : Present a balanced view by including evidence that supports and opposes your thesis. Acknowledging counterarguments demonstrates thorough research and critical thinking.

By critically analyzing research sources and using them appropriately, you can enhance the quality and credibility of your psychology essay. This approach ensures that your arguments are well-supported, your analysis is thorough, and your work adheres to academic standards.

Putting the Finishing Touches on Your Psychology Essay

Once you have a basic grasp of the topic and have written a rough draft of your psychology essay, the next step is to polish it up and ensure it is ready to turn in. To perfect your essay structure, consider the following:

• Make sure your topic is well-defined: Make sure your essay topic is specific and focused to provide a clear direction for your writing.
• Check that you are highlighting a main point in each paragraph: Commence each paragraph with a topic sentence that encapsulates the main idea you’ll discuss.
• Revise and refine your first draft: Take the time to review and refine your initial draft, guaranteeing that each section flows logically into the next and that your arguments are well-supported. ( Tip: Ask a friend of classmate to read through it to catch any typos or errors you might have missed. )
• Check your APA format : Use the APA publication manual to double-check that all your sources are cited and referenced correctly.

Creating an amazing psychology essay requires a compelling introduction, evidence-based arguments, a strong thesis statement, critical analysis, and a well-structured essay.

By incorporating research from peer-reviewed journals, evaluating studies for validity and reliability, and considering differing viewpoints and ethical considerations, you can craft a powerful and insightful piece that showcases your understanding of the topic.

With attention to detail and logical flow, your psychology essay will captivate and inform your readers effectively.