1. Psychology’s Perspectives
The Big Seven

2. Psychology’s Perspectives
In which of the Big 7 Perspectives do you most support believe and why?

3. Biological Perspective
Focus on how the physical body and brain creates our emotions, memories and sensory experiences.
If you could not remember the names of your parents and went to a psychologist who adheres to the biological perspective, what might she say?

4. Evolutionary Perspective
Focuses on Darwinism.
We behave the way we do because we inherited those behaviors.
Thus, those behaviors must have helped ensure our ancestors survival.
Mother nature practicing selective breeding
How could this behavior ensured Homer’s ancestors survival?

5. Psychodynamic Perspective
Fathered by Sigmund Freud.
Our behavior comes from unconscious drives.
Usually stemming from our childhood.
What might a psychoanalyst say is the reason someone always needs to be chewing gum?

6. Behavioral Perspective
Focuses on our OBSERVABLE behaviors.
Only cares about the behaviors that impair our living, and attempts to change them.
If you bit your fingernails when you were nervous, a behaviorist would not focus on calming you down, but rather focus on how to stop you from biting your nails.

7. BEHAVIORISTS How people learn Rewards and punishment John B. Watson

8. Cognitive Perspective
Focuses on how we think (or encode information)
How do we see the world?
How did we learn to react to sad or happy events?
Cognitive Therapist attempt to change the way you think.
Meet girl
Get Rejected by girl
Or get back on the horse
Did you learn to be depressed

9. Social-Cultural Perspective
Focus on how your culture effects your behavior.
Even in the same high school, behaviors can change in accordance to the various subcultures.

10. Humanistic Perspective
Focuses on positive growth
Attempt to seek self-actualization
Therapists use active listening and unconditional positive regard.
Mr. Rogers would have made a great Humanistic Therapist!!!

11. Approaches cont. HUMANISTIC PSYCHOLOGY
people try to achieve their maximum potential (self actualization)
Promote health and self-growth

12. What Approach is Best?
What perspectives should we consider throughout this class?
ECLECTIC
Combination of approaches
Some topics/issues have become dominated by a certain approach, so this will lead our thinking, but all should be in our considerations.