8 Contemporary Psychological Perspectives + 2 Career Domains
Biological
Evolutionary
-Understanding humans using organs, genetics, hormones, brain, nervous system, and neurotransmitters as a basis
-Understanding humans using Darwin’s principle of natural selection (what helps humanity
survive, adapt, and reproduce) and evolution as a basis
Industrial organization psychologists
Education psychologists
-Focuses on workplace dynamics and assesses individuals. They use their research to improve the well-being and performance of employees to improve the work environment
-Focuses on academic learning processes and psychological disorders related to academic learning processes. They also help develop effective teaching methods and differences in how
people learn
Empiricism
The belief that knowledge is learned through experience and is grounded in science- relying in observation/experimentation
Mary Whiton Calkins
Margaret Floy Washburn
-Student of William James (who was the founder of functionalism) Expert in memory recall. First female president of the American Psychological Association and paved the way for the field of psychology to be composed mostly of women.
-She was the first woman to earn a doctorate degree in the field of psychology. She began experimenting with animals to see if there was an overlap between
human and animal mental processes/behavior.
Introspection
Examination of CONSCIOUS thoughts and processes through observation (typically questions) Examples of conducting introspection can include mindfulness, journaling, meditation, and self-monitoring.
Cognitive
Humanistic
-Understanding humans using internal thoughts and feelings, memory, perception of the world, thinking, and solving problems as a basis
-Understanding humans by emphasizing free will, fulfillment, healthy relationship building, and the potential/progress of an individual
Developmental psychologists
Criminal psychologists
-Study how people grow, develop, and adapt in different life stages. Their research is used to help people with their futures and study upbringing differences.
-These psychologists try to understand the motives of criminals to understand them. They examine behaviors, diagnose mental illness, and provide testimonies in courtrooms
Structuralism
Aimed to discover the structural elements of the mind (how the brain is made up); engage people in self-reflective introspection
Wilhelm Wundt
E.B Titchener
-German physiologist who is considered the father of experimental psychology. He distinguished psychology as a science separate from biology and philosophy. He founded structuralism.
-Wundt’s student and an important structuralist who used introspection to determine what each part of the brain did and how it worked
Psychoanalysis
Like introspection but is used to address and treat repressed psychological problems by inspecting the conscious and unconscious parts of the mind.
Psychodynamic
Behavioral/Learning
-Understanding humans using the concept of the unconscious mind, repressed experiences, and defense mechanisms as a basis
-Understanding humans using conditioned responses from the environment, interactions with the
environment, or observational learning as a basis
Psychometric psychologists
Psychiatrists
-These psychologists administer and score tests to measure psychological attributes. These tests assess non-physical qualities and are offered to those with neurological diseases
-Psychiatrists are doctors who specialize in mental health and diagnose and treat psychiatric disorders. They offer medication, therapy, and behavioral interventions for treatment
Functionalism
Study/focus on how the brain works and what each part of the brain DOES, not what it is. Influenced by Charles Darwin’s evolutionary perspective.
William James
American philosopher who developed
functionalism. He is considered the father of American psychology and he was an influential philosopher in the US (inspired by Darwin's evolutionary principles)
The unconscious mind
A deep part of our brain that influences how we behave, act, and feel. Usually repressed and unknown to us (unconscious).
Social-Cultural
Biopsychosocial
-Understanding humans using social and cultural factors, group influence, obedience to authority, livelihood,
and surrounding individuals as a basis
-Understanding humans by combining of various perspectives to understand human nature
Human factors psychologists
Neuropsychologists
-These psychologists study how people interact with technology. They use their research to help design products that ensure performance and safety. They often help government agencies and engineers
-They focus on relationships between the brain and behavior. They evaluate behavioral/cognitive changes, injury or disease to the nervous system, or developmental disorders
Sigmund Freud
Austrian neurologist that stated the concept of the unconscious mind and invented and developed psychoanalysis to tap into it.
Research psychologists
Community psychologists
-These psychologists study a range of human and animal behavior. They design and conduct experiments to learn how people behave and react under different conditions.
-These psychologists help vulnerable groups build social support and understand the social impacts of environmental issues. They also study how people relate to their communities and how they are affected.
Counseling psychologists
Clinical psychologists
-These psychologists focus on advising/helping patients understand or address psychological issues. They diagnose, treat, and find resources for a patient's issues by listening/discussing with them
-These psychologists focus on reducing psychological distress and promoting the well-being of their patients. They can assess, diagnose, and treat disorders and study mental disorders