Overview of Modern Psychology's 7 Major Perspectives

Question 1

Psychodynamic

Answer 1

Major Emphases: Unconcious dynamics, motives, conflicts and past experiences (Freudian perspective)

Question 2

Behavioral

Answer 2

Major Emphases: Objective, observable, environmental influences on overt behavior. Stimulus-response relationships and consequences for behavior

Question 3

Humanistic

Answer 3

Major Emphases: Free will, self -actualization and human nature as naturally positive and growth seeking (Maslow’s heirarchy of needs would possibly fit here)

Question 4

Cognitive

Answer 4

Thinking, percieving, problem solving, memory, language, and information processing

Question 5

Biological

Answer 5

Major Emphases: Genetic and biological processes in the brain and other parts of the nervous system (Neuropsychology)

Question 6

Evolutionary

Answer 6

Major Emphases: Natural selection, adaptation, and evolution of behavior and mental processes

Question 7

Sociocultural

Answer 7

Major Emphases: Social interaction and the cultural determinants of behavior and mental processes