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Contemporary Perspectives. What is a “perspective”?. What do you think???. A Perspective:. is a conceptual framework to examine a given phenomenon. has a set of basic assumptions . Determines which methods (data collection, analysis) will be used to study a given phenomenon.
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What is a “perspective”? • What do you think???
A Perspective: • is a conceptual framework to examine a given phenomenon. • has a set of basic assumptions. • Determines which methods (data collection, analysis) will be used to study a given phenomenon. • Can also be referred to as an “approach” in psychology
Perspectives in Psychology • Biological • Psychodynamic (Psychoanalytical) • Behavioral • Cognitive • Humanistic • Evolutionary • Social-Cultural • Biopsychosocial
1. Biological Perspective • Basic assumptions: • 1. Biology plays a role in behavior. • 2. The physical body affects behavior and thought.
Flaws with Biological • 1. Factors unrelated to biology may influence thoughts and behaviors. E.g., environmental factors (life-style, abuse) may play role in some mental disorders (depression). • 2. Multiple factors may influence thoughts and behaviors.
2. Psychodynamic Perspective: • Argues that our behavior results from unconscious internal drives and conflicts. • Conflicts are outside of our awareness (iceberg theory).
Criticism of Psychodynamic: • 1. Freud had no scientific data to support his theories. • 2. Freud’s theories (unconscious, libido, etc.) cannot be observed. • 3. Theory explains behavior (post-hoc) after the fact. • 4. Observations not representative of population.
3. Behavior Perspective • Focuses on observable behaviors. • Premise—abnormal behavior is learned!! • Learning (classical & operant conditioning, modeling)
Criticisms of Behavior: • 1. Abnormal behavior not connected to particular learning experiences (schizophrenia). • 2. Simplistic circular reasoning (Description as explanation). • 3. Useful for treatment, but not as cause for most mental disorders.
4. Evolutionary Perspective • Focuses on the possible role of evolved psychological mechanisms (inherited tendencies shaped by evolution) in human behavior • Looks at the way the mind works and why it works as it does. • Behavior is seen as having an adaptive or survival value.
Criticism of Evolutionary • Too much attention paid to “adaptations” • It is argued that this isn’t really psychology, just an extension of biology • This is a new theory and still fairly controversial
5. Cognitive Perspective: • Premise- how our minds organize and interpret information • Focuses on memory, intelligence, perception, problem solving, and learning
Criticisms of Cognitive • Depends on “controlled” experiments rather than “real world” • Doesn’t account for genetic factors like heredity
6. Humanistic Perspective: • Theorists argue we are driven to self-actualize, that is, to fulfill our potential for goodness and growth. • How we meet our needs for love and acceptance and achieve self-fulfillment. • More from early roots of psychology in the field of philosophy.
Criticism of Humanistic • Concepts are too vague • Subjective ideas are too hard to objectify (e.g. an experience that is real for one individual may not be real for another person) • Not a “real science” because it’s too much “common sense” and not enough objectivity
7. Social-cultural Perspective • Focuses on the relationship between social behavior and culture. • Social and cultural factors that can influence behavior
8. Biopsychosocial (not a “perspective” but a merging of several) • Integrated approach using 3 main levels of analysis
