Introduction to Psychology
Contemporary perspectives in psychology
Contemporary perspectives in psychology
Chapter 1
Essential reading: Biological perspective & The cognitive perspective
Learning outcomes
Explain the various Outline the
theoretical contemporary
perspectives in perspectives in
Psychology Psychology
this
Why child aggressive against toge.
rely
our brain (How it work arrange
Biologicale
on ,
&
perspective in our
genes
=
> inherted
.
Key Focus: This approach uniquely analyses thoughts, feelings, and behaviors -
from a physical and biological perspective.
Influence: Inspired by Charles Darwin's evolutionary theory.
Core Ideas:
1. Emphasizes the role of genetic inheritance in shaping behaviors.
2. Considers how environmental factors influence behavioral changes and
acquisitions.
child enhert this
I
& This
eleminat aggressive from his
family
represtive alton his
genes wired
in the
environment & because of your
games
…Biological perspective Ty
&
>
- extreme
inherit
in nature
on everythings
• Biological perspective in psychology is considered as the extreme
nature side in the debate of the origin of behaviours.
• Focus on understanding behaviours and mental processes in the light
of biological factors.
• The role of heredity in human behaviours and mental processes.
• Inherited tendencies enable the evolution of survival adaptation
behaviors.
-
Cognitive Perspective
Key Focus: Explores the mental processes that drive human behavior.
Influence: Inspired by Socrates's call to "know thyself."
Core Areas of Study:
Perception, Attention, Memory, Problem-solving & Intelligence
Input
Mental event Output
From the
Processing Behavior
environment
Cognitive Perspective
– Focus on investigating what occurs in the mind between environmental
stimuli and behaviour response.
– Please explain to us how thought processes develop and deteriorate
across the lifespan.
– Old schools like structuralism and functionalism influence modern
cognitive psychology.
Humanistic - Existential perspective
Both perspectives explore how behavior is influenced by internal perceptions, yet they
differ fundamentally in their views on human nature and motivation.
Humanistic Perspective:
Core Beliefs:
1. Inherent Goodness: Humanism claims that all people are originally good and have
the potential for self-growth and improvement.
2. Subjective Experience: Emphasizes the importance of individual experiences and
feelings.
Emotion truths as a center to understand the behavior.
Impact: Encourages environments that nurture personal development and self-
fulfilment.
Humanistic-Existential perspective
Existential Perspective:
Core concepts:
1. Existentialism believes that ideas of 'good' and 'bad' change depending on what
individuals think about their own experiences.
2. This approach emphasizes that each person has the power to choose their
direction in life and stresses how important it is for individuals to make choices
that give their lives meaning.
3. Application: It helps people manage life's challenges by encouraging them to
take charge of their decisions and actions.
Psychodynamic Perspective
Psychodynamic theory is a key approach in the practice of psychotherapy.
Modern vs. Traditional Views:
Unlike Freud's original focus, modern psychodynamic theory emphasizes conscious
choices and self-direction rather than just unconscious motivations.
Neo analysts:
These are psychologists who use Freud’s ideas but also incorporate their own, like
Erik Erikson. They adapt and expand on Freud's theories to apply them in new
ways.
Perspectives on learning
Behavioral Foundations:
Behavior Influenced by Experience:
Behaviour is viewed as a product of previous experiences, influenced by
environmental interactions.
Core Principle of Learning:
Understanding, predicting, and modifying behaviors is rooted in studying
learning processes.
Environmental Impact and Reinforcement:
Attribute behaviors to environmental influences and the reinforcement from
past actions. ( a learning experience )
Perspective on learning
Social-Cognitive Developments:
Social-cognitive theory extends the learning perspective by showing
that behaviour is shaped not just by reinforcement, but also by
observing others and using internal processes like thinking and
motivation.
It highlights individual agency, where people actively choose,
interpret, and influence their environment. Learners are not passive
responders.
Sociocultural
perspective
• Do you notice abnormality in
this picture?
Sociocultural perspective
Key Ideas of Sociocultural Psychology:
The Power of Social Context:
Our social environment plays a crucial role in shaping who we are.
For instance, how we speak or our attitudes towards work can be
heavily influenced by where we grow up.
Cultural Norms and Values:
The unwritten rules and beliefs that every culture has, which affect
our behavior and thinking.
For example, it's normal in some cultures to live with extended
family, while in others, independence is encouraged early.
Sociocultural perspective
Socioculturalists argue that understanding a person’s behaviour
requires knowing about the cultural context in which the behaviour
occurs.
True or false
Humanistic- Existential perspective is the only approach discusses
psychology from physical point of view.
Exercise: In groups discuss one of the given character
When looking at why a person chooses to behave in _____ way than
normal what you will examine if you are:
1. Biological oriented psychologist?
2. Cognitive psychologist?
3. Humanistic – existential psychologist?
4. Psychodynamic oriented psychologist?
5. Social cognitive psychologist?
6. Sociocultural oriented psycholgist?
