1. Contemporary Perspectives
Chapter 1 – Section 4

2. The Biological Perspective
Emphasizes the influence of biology on behavior
Look for connections between events in the brain and behavior
They also study the effects of genetics and hormonal influences on behavior

3. The Cognitive Perspective
Emphasizes the role of thoughts on behavior
Study the process of the mind
Piaget theory of cognitive development
Behavior is influenced by values, interpretations and choices

4. The Humanistic Perspective
Emphasizes the human capacity for self fulfillment and the importance of the consciousness, self awareness, and the capacity to make choices.
Consciousness is viewed as the force that shapes peoples personality
We are free to choose our own behavior

5. The Psychoanalytical Perspective
Emphasizes the influence of unconscious forces on human behavior
Focus more today on conscious choice and self direction
Freud believed aggressive impulses are common reaction to frustration

6. The Learning Perspective
Emphasizes the effects of experience on behavior
Behaviorists interested in learned behavior through repetition
Social learning theory stresses environment less and conscious decision more.
Behavior learned by either direct experience or observing others

7. The Sociocultural Perspective
Emphasizes the effect of ethnicity, gender, culture, and socioeconomic status on behavior
Study the social expectations of gender