approach to
explaining and
predicting behavior
and events that
appear to be
psychology, but is
not supported by
empirical, objective
evidence (doesnt
use scientific
method)
roots lie in philosophy and physiology
structuralism--early school of psychology that used introspection to determine the structure and most basic
elements of the mind.
functionalism -- early school of psych that focused on the the function of thought processes, feelings, and
behaviors and how they help us adapt to the environment.
Major perspectives
psychoanalytic-- unconscious conflicts at root of personal development
behavioral-- human behavior as learned primarily through associations, reinforcers, and observations
humanistic-- focuses on the positive and growth aspects of human nature
cognitive-- considers the mental processes that direct behavior
evolutionary-- examines the aspects of human behavior that are genetically passed along generations
biological-- physiological and neurological basis of behavior
sociocultural-- looks at the social and cultural influences that impact behavior
biopsychosocial-- explains human behavior in terms of biological, psychological, and sociocultural behaviors