9 Major Perspectives in Modern Psychology

Biological

/ Uses MRIs to study the physical aspects of the human brain / Dissects the brains of cadavers to learn more about the internal function of the brain / AKA: Neurologist / Studies the somatosensory region of the parietal lobe to determine the exact location of each body parts’ sense of feel on the brain.
Developmental / Looks at how language is acquired over the lifespan / Studies changing views on death and dying as we age / Researches changing views of morals for each decade of life / Researches age appropriate teaching strategies across the lifespan to provide the best possible learning experience for all ages
Cognitive / Is interested in how thoughts are formed / Would be fascinated by what we “see” in our mind as we read / Studies teaching techniques / Would research learning styles
Psychodynamic / Would be fascinated by repressed memories / Analyzes dreams / Is interested in the unconscious / Wants to see how childhood experiences affect adult behavior
Humanistic / Looks at the positive aspects of a person / Focuses on self-confidence / Helps people to “grow emotionally” / Encourages counseling to help us live up to our potential
Behavioral / Focuses on scientific data / Believes behavior is shaped by the consequences of our actions / Would be interested in how we could make someone develop a phobia / Would look for a systematic and universal approach to healing mental problems
Sociocultural / Studies habits as they relate to specific cultures / Would be interested on the impact of isolation on human development / Would want to see how language of a society changes / Would be interested in material items and artifacts left by a civilization
Evolutionary-Sociobiological / Follows Darwin’s Theory of Natural Selection / Is interested in the progress of mankind over time / Would study ancient burial grounds / Would be interested in the geographical movement of groups of people over time and the impact of this on their psyche
Trait / Would say that personality is genetic / Would look to link eye color with emotion / Is interested in linking genetics to behavior / Researches the causes of shyness verses boldness


9 Major Perspectives in Modern Psychology

Biological

Developmental
Cognitive
Psychodynamic
Humanistic
Behavioral
Sociocultural
Evolutionary-Sociobiological
Trait