Modern Perspectives in Psychology Pages 15 to 19

Why is are these perspectives important? We can understand different ways of viewing behavior and thought processes. We can find one or two perspectives that we identify with the most. We can identify and apply these perspectives to real life situations

Task Read pages 15 to 19 in your textbook. After reading about the perspectives you are to create 3 to 4 questions a psychologist of each perspective would ask about human behavior and thought processes.

Biological-behavior viewed in terms of biological responses What role does heredity play? Is the behavior a result of an effect on the brain; a result of physical malfunction? Are there changes in the brain’s chemistry? Are the physical/biological processes that explain the behavior? How can the behavior be explained biologically?

Developmental- behavior is determined by the interaction of nature and nurture Are the behaviors and/or thought processes a result of nature, nurture, or both? Does nature or nurture shape more of who we become? How and why do we change as we become older (in terms of social skills, learning language, assimilating and expectations of our culture) How do developments in childhood effect our develop over our lifetimes?

Cognitive-behavior is the result of our mental interpretations of our experience What were the thoughts that led up to the behavior? If thoughts are analyzed and changed will the outcome the next time be different? What are the thinking skills involved? How does the individual interpret the situation or event? How did one make decisions? How are other peoples’ motives interpreted? How does one perceive his/her self? How does one perceive how others see them?

Psychodynamic- sees behavior as arising from unconscious needs, conflicts, repressed memories, and childhood experiences Is there indication of some deeper problem or conflict raging in the unconscious? What is the deeper problem or conflict? Is the individual holding in/penting up/repressing feelings? (Defense Mechanisms) Is the behavior a result of holding in/penting up/repressing feelings? Did something happen in early childhood that triggered the behavior later?

Humanistic- focuses on the influence of self- concept, perceptions, and interpersonal relationships as well as our need for personal growth How do our actions influence our self concept and our need for personal growth and fulfillment? How does free will effect our behaviors and thought processes? How do our choices effect our behaviors and thought processes?

Behavioral-we respond to stimulus cues and our history of rewards and punishments Is the behavior learned? Does anything reinforce the behavior (rewards/punishments)? Was the behavior learned through the observation of others? Was the individual exposed to events that aided in their outcome? Can new behaviors or habits replace old? How has the environment shaped behavior?

Sociocultural-behavior is influenced by culture, by social norms and expectations, and by social learning Are there unique pressures within certain cultures? How do social, ethnic, racial, and religious groups affect an individual’s behavior? Are there different rules and expectations for groups? What are the norms of society and how do they affect individuals? What areas of life do sociocultural differences affect?

Evolutionary/Sociobiological- behavior is determined by natural selection Did our ancestors behave similarly to how we behave today? What behaviors are adaptive? What behaviors are hereditary? How have genetics played a role in how human behavior has evolved?

Trait- behavior results from each person’s unique combination of traits How do we acquire personality traits? What makes an individual an introvert or extrovert? How can we use traits to predict behavior?