Contemporary approaches

& questions to Psychology

BIOLOGICAL Behaviors are a

consequence of our

genetics & physiology

EVOLUTIONARYBehaviors developed

because they instinctually

helped our ancestors

adapt & survive

BEHAVIORALPast associations & the

environment are

strongest

influences on behavior

PSYCHODYNAMICBehavior is controlled by

impulses below the

surface of

consciousness

HUMANISTICBehavior is connected

to a person’s inner

feelings & self-image

COGNITIVEBehavior is a product of

Internal thought

processes (how we

handle information)

SOCIOCULTURALBehavior is influenced

by rules & expectations

of specific social groups

Psychology’s

Approaches

Contemporary Approaches to Psychology

Because no individual approach may explain human thought and behavior exclusively, psychologists often take a more integrated approach, known as the Biopsychosocial Approach.

Psychology’s Three Main

Levels of Analysis

Psychology’s Three Main

Levels of Analysis• Differing complementary views, from biological

to psychological to social-cultural used to analyze any given phenomenon.

Psychology’s Three Main

Levels of Analysis• Differing complementary views, from biological

to psychological to social-cultural used to analyze any given phenomenon.

• Biopsychosocial approach-an integrated approach that incorporates biological, psychological, and social-cultural levels of analysis.

Psychology’s Three Main

Levels of Analysis

Psychology’s Three Main

Levels of Analysis

Psychology’s Three Main

Levels of Analysis

Psychology’s Three Main

Levels of Analysis

Nature Vs. Nurture

“Nature-Nurture” Issue:• Debate of origin of personality

traits• “Nature” = Genes• “Nurture” = Experiences

Nature Vs. Nurture• Psychologists often debate the “Nature-Nurture” issue with

these types of questions:• How are we humans alike (because of our common biology and

evolutionary history) and diverse (because of our differing environments)?

• Are gender differences biologically predisposed or socially constructed?

• Is children’s grammar mostly innate or formed by experience?• How are differences in intelligence and personality influenced

by heredity and environment?• Are sexual behaviors more “pushed” by inner biology or

“pulled” by external incentives?• Should we treat psychological disorders – depression, for

example – as disorders of the brain, disorders of thought, or both?