Explore And Compare Early Perspectives Of Psychology

Explore and Compare Early Perspectives of Psychology

To better understand psychology today, it is helpful to understand how psychology has evolved since its origin. To do this, you will explore the various perspectives (theories) of psychology. Using your text and the Internet, research and choose three early perspectives (or theories) of psychology. These perspectives include:

- Behaviorism

- Cognitive

- Culture and Diversity

- Evolutionary

- Functionalism

- Gestalt

- Humanistic

- Physiological

- Psychodynamic

- Structuralism

In a 2 – 3 page paper, provide the following information about those perspectives:

• A short description of each perspective.

• An example representing each perspective.

• A comparison of the three perspectives – outline their similarities and differences.

• How each perspective influences psychology today.

Be sure to document your references using APA format.

Paper For Above instruction

Understanding the evolution of psychology requires examining the foundational perspectives that have shaped the discipline. Three early perspectives—Behaviorism, Cognitive, and Humanistic—offer distinct yet interconnected views on human thought and behavior. Exploring these perspectives provides insight into their historical significance and their influence on contemporary psychology.

Behaviorism

The Behaviorist perspective emerged in the early 20th century, emphasizing observable behaviors over internal mental states. Pioneered by John B. Watson and later B.F. Skinner, behaviorism posits that all behaviors are learned through interactions with the environment via principles of conditioning. It dismisses introspection as unscientific and instead focuses on measurable responses to stimuli. For example, a behaviorist might study how reinforcement schedules increase or decrease the likelihood of a child's smiling in response to a caregiver’s praise.

Behaviorism has significantly impacted psychology by fostering research methods centered around observable data and influencing therapies such as Behavior Modification and Applied Behavior Analysis. Its emphasis on environmental influences continues to inform behavioral interventions in clinical, educational, and organizational settings.

Cognitive Perspective

The Cognitive perspective gained prominence in the 1950s, shifting focus from external behaviors to internal mental processes. Championed by psychologists like Jean Piaget and Ulric Neisser, cognition involves processes such as perception, memory, problem-solving, and decision-making. The cognitive approach asserts that mental processes influence behavior and that understanding these processes is essential to understanding human actions.

An example illustrating the cognitive perspective is research on how individuals solve puzzles or memory tasks, emphasizing mental strategies and information processing. Cognitive psychology has profoundly influenced modern technology, education, and clinical practices by developing models of mental functioning, cognitive-behavioral therapies, and neuropsychological assessments. It underscores the importance of mental health interventions that target thought patterns and perceptions.

Humanistic Perspective

The Humanistic perspective emerged in the mid-20th century as a reaction against the deterministic views of Behaviorism and Psychoanalysis. Led by Carl Rogers and Abraham Maslow, it emphasizes individual agency, personal growth, and self-actualization. This perspective views humans as inherently good and motivated to realize their potential through free will and conscious choice.

An example of the humanistic approach is client-centered therapy, where emphasis is placed on creating a supportive environment that facilitates personal development. Humanistic psychology has influenced counseling and psychotherapy by promoting a more empathetic and holistic understanding of clients' experiences. It continues to shape positive psychology and approaches that focus on strengths, resilience, and well-being.

Comparison and Influence on Modern Psychology

While distinct, these three perspectives share some common ground. Both Behaviorism and Cognitive psychology investigate observable outcomes; however, behaviorism neglects internal mental states while cognition explicitly considers them. Conversely, the Humanistic approach diverges by focusing on subjective experience and personal growth, emphasizing agency over environmental or internal deterministic factors.

In terms of influence, Behaviorism laid the groundwork for rigorous scientific methods in psychology and behavior modification techniques. Cognitive psychology revolutionized understanding of mental processes, leading to advancements in neuroscience and technology. The Humanistic perspective shifted counseling toward client-centered practices and prioritized mental health, well-being, and personal fulfillment.

Today, psychology often integrates these perspectives, acknowledging that behavior results from internal cognitive processes, environmental influences, and individual agency. For example, cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) combines behavioral techniques with cognitive restructuring, while humanistic principles inform holistic approaches to mental health care. The evolution from these early perspectives underscores the multifaceted nature of psychology and its commitment to understanding the complex tapestry of human experience.

References

American Psychological Association. (2020). Publication manual of the American Psychological Association (7th ed.).

Caporael, L. R. (1997). Evolutionary psychology: Toward a unifying framework. Behavioral and Brain Sciences, 20(4), 595-612.

Crain, W. C. (2011). Theories of development: Concepts and applications (6th ed.). Pearson.

Maslow, A. H. (1943). A theory of human motivation. Psychological Review, 50(4), 370-396.

Neisser, U. (1967). Cognitive psychology. Science, 158(3798), 19-31.

Rogers, C. R. (1951). Client-centered therapy: Its current practice, implications and theory. Houghton Mifflin.

Watson, J. B. (1913). Psychology as the behaviorist views it. Psychological Review, 20(2), 158-177.