...Psychology Perspective Darla Houston AIU Online Abstract In this paper I will be discussing the similarities and differences between the three different Psychology Perspectives or specific theories of early Psychology. One theory used will be Structuralism. Another theory used in this paper will be the Functionalism. And lastly the Evolutionary theory will be used. This paper will explain three to four differences between each of the three theories listed and reviewed facts and see how one of these theories is superior to the others or that all three are comparable or equal. The thesis for this essay is “No matter how careful evolution, structuralism, and functionalism are examined, there is no evidence that these will not change in the future” Psychology Perspectives Structuralism, Functionalism, and Evolutionary theories each have similarities and differences among them. Both Structuralism and functionalism reflect the fact that consciousness is the subject matter, but both differ in how each should be studied. Evolutionary theory has potential to integrate conceptual approaches to study behavioral development for human adaption in both humans and animals which Structuralism and Functionalism stem form. Structuralism has many mental processes that are broken down into basic components. Functionalism forms a reaction to Structuralism which focuses on the purpose of both consciousness and behavior and emphasizes individual differences. Influenced by Darwin’s...
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...Psychology Essay Psychology has five distinctive perspectives from which psychologists study. Although these perspectives are all based off of the four goals of psychology as a whole, they each posses many differences. The neuroscience perspective focuses on how humans and animals function biologically. Scientists who study this contribute to two of psychology’s four goals, describing and explaining. This view describes how animals and humans operate day to day, as well as explains how and why they do so. The psychodynamic outlook is based on the view that behavior is motivated by unconscious inner forces over which the individual has little control. One of the most famous psychologists of all time, Sigmund Freud, came up with this perspective, arguing that things such as dreams or word slips indicate our true feelings and thoughts. This perspective also falls under the goal of explanation, as psychologists use the unconscious activity to explain such things. Behavioral psychologists believe that the main focus of study should be centered on observable behavior that can be measured impartially, rather than guessing the inner workings of the subconscious. By doing so, they can then predict and influence an individual or animal, thus contributing to two of the four goals. The cognitive view focuses primarily on how people think, understand, and know about the world around them. This view describes and explains how and why people observe their surrounding world,...
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...The Early Perspectives of Psychology Irene M. Corbin AIU Online Abstract The Early Perspectives of Psychology This paper will be examining the historical development and growth of psychology. It will be addressing three of the early perspectives of psychology with a short example and a short comparison outing their similarities and differences and ending with how each perspective influences psychology today. Behaviorism The first perspective of psychology is behaviorism. The term behaviorism refers to the school of psychology, which was founded in 1913 by an American psychologist named John B. Watson. Watson believed that behaviors are acquired through conditioning that occurs through interaction within the environment ( Nordqvist, C. 2009). Cognitive Psychology The second perspective of psychology is cognitive psychology this is a field of psychology that studies the development related to how people think including memory, reasoning and the ability to make a decision. The term was first used in 1967 by American psychologist “Ulric Neisser” in the book “Cognitive Psychology” (Cherry, K. 2013). Example: By watching a cooking show the information is processed through the brain which at later times, the same cooking process can be performed. Gestalt Psychology The third perspective of psychology is Gestalt psychology this is a field of psychology that studies the thoughts of the human mind and behavior as a whole. Example: Flashing object that appears to be moving...
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...Science (65,836) »Psychology and Psychiatry (3,569) by shazwellyn 1,094 Followers Psychology 101, What Are The Historical Perspectives In Psychology? In this Psychology 101 article, we ask what are the historical perspectives in psychology? Now, this question provokes a thesis on its own, but here we evaluate specific times of extraordinary turning points leading to where we are today. We are all psychologists in our own right. We have the innate ability to draw conclusions by watching the behaviours of others. So, where, whom and what legitimizes psychology as a science and how did we arrive there? It is through history, that we have built and drawn from our own evaluations as a species. So, what is psychology? Psychology Definition As this is a psychology 101 based article, as always, we will start by providing a ‘working definition’ of psychology as a term: ‘Psychology is the scientific study of the mind and behaviour of humans and animals.’ Psychologists concentrate on what is observable and measurable in a person’s behaviour. This includes the biological processes in the body, although, the mind is central to the subject. ψ - This is the Greek letter pronounced as 'Sigh' and spelled as 'Psi'. It is now used as the International symbol of Psychology. Psychologists think it is important to be scientific in their study. This is to avoid confused thinking. What Is Psychology? We have covered the centralised theme around psychology with the above...
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...Psychology is a discipline that asks and answers the fundamental question, why do we behave the way we do and think the way we think?. The best way to characterize the different approaches that are taken to answer the question of psychology is to identify them as major perspectives. The major perspectives represent fundamental assumptions that underlie the research questions and methods that are used in order to answer the questions of psychology. Most all perspectives define psychology as the discipline interested in studying human behavior and mental processes, but that covers a lot of ground and the causes of behavior and mental processes are not always clear. This outline will attempt to catalogue the major perspectives and give the reader a sense of the underlying assumptions, the philosophical foundations, the research methods, and the outcomes or practices that result from the efforts of researchers and practitioners. Let's just begin with a list of the perspectives and a short description. 1. Psychodynamic Perspective: Probably the approach that has been most popularly associated with the discipline of psychology for the past century is the psychodynamic, psychoanalytic perspective. Sigmund Freud, who was medically trained in neurology, developed a theory of personality that made the assumption that human motivation was propelled by conflicts between instinctual, mostly unconscious, psychological forces. He called these intrapsychic elements the...
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...Perspectives of Abnormal Psychology Ann Bacon Psy/410 Abnormal Psychology October 24, 2011 Kristi Lane University of Phoenix Perspectives of Abnormal Psychology What is abnormal psychology? Abnormal psychology is the branch of psychology that deals with behaviors that are not considered normal as well as psychological phenomena such as dreams and altered mental states, which have not been explained. The goal of this branch of psychology is to understand abnormal behavior as well as to determine how and if the behavior needs to be addressed and to develop a treatment plan that will help individuals. This branch of psychology also recognizes that there are many influences such as environmental influences on psychological development. The goal of many mental health professionals is not to force an individual to achieve normality but to help individuals who struggle with mental and emotional disorders to achieve fulfilling and active lives. However, to completely understand what abnormal psychology is we need to understand the origins of abnormal psychology as well as the challenges of defining and classifying normal and abnormal behavior. It is also important to understand how abnormal psychology evolved into a scientific discipline as well as the different viewpoints or models of abnormal psychology. The following paragraphs will hopefully help us to completely understand the branch of abnormal psychology. Origins of Abnormal Psychology The field of...
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...Final Journal Entry Which theoretical perspective in psychology do you find most interesting; Psychodynamic, Behaviorisme, Humanism, Cognitive or Developmental? Developmental psychology is a tremendously interesting portion of psychology because it combines different types of psychological theories together and explains why we do the things we do. The ongoing debate of nature vs. nurture explains why humans are so diverse. According to research, heredity (nature) is what makes every human so unique. When babies are born, they have inherited genes that can be traced all the way back to their ancestors. Majority of these traits, however, come from their parents which later on in life define who they are. On the other hand, the nurture factor...
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...30, 2015 General Psychology Early and Modern Perspectives of Psychology Throughout the years many great minds have opened up to the challenge in opening up to study how the human brain functions and what it can cause a person to do and feel; this is called Psychology. These theorists have each came up with their own ideas of why humans, as well as animals, function the way it does and even though each and every one of them have very different ideas it does mean that they are wrong. As time has passed these theories have become bigger, brighter and with more time they will more than likely continue this research which has a lot questions still unanswered. For example, in the late 1870’s and early 1900’s the study of psychology had just started in many places around the world. One of the first people to start this research was Wilhelm Wundt, also known as the “father of psychology”. He was the first to open a psychological laboratory in Leipzig, Germany around 1879 where he studied non-physical structure of the mind as his first attempt to bring objectivity and measurement to psychology. Wundt had a student by the name of Edward Titchener who believed that every experience could be broken down into individual emotions. Titchener also applied introspection method to thoughts and physical sensations; all this was known as Structuralism. During this time there were many minorities such as women, Hispanics and African Americans that contributed to psychology but were not actually...
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...Theoretical Perspectives of Social Psychology Romerle Johnson ITT Technical Institution Abstract Psychological studies vary in design. In correlational studies a researcher looks for associations among naturally occurring variables, whereas in experimental studies the researcher introduces a change and then monitors its effects. It is important to be able to distinguish between correlational and experimental designs, because only well-controlled experimental designs allow conclusions about cause and effect. This paper will attempt to define the two research methods coinciding with examples and counterpoints toward each design. Theoretical Perspectives of Social Psychology Correlational Versus Experimental Research Correlational research is an important form of educational and psychological research. Some knowledge of correlational methods is important for both the consumption and conduct of research. A correlation is simply defined as a relationship between two variables. The whole purpose of using correlations in research is to figure out which variables are connected. Prime example of the research can be found in most of our childhood experiences, the harmonious sound of the ice cream truck bell. This particular was the universal sound in most American neighborhoods that it was time for a delicious cold treat. Second example of this research comes from academia. The efficient student who studies is more likely to achieve a higher grade on their test...
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...Week 1 Historical Perspectives of Abnormal Psychology PSY-410 Historical Perspectives of Abnormal Psychology The best theoretical model incorporates aspects of multiple theories, recognizing that historically, psychology is a very young science, as is the field abnormal psychology. This fledgling scientific field has been developed to aid in understanding the causes of, and treatments for, abnormal behavioral disorders. Although the primary purpose of the science is to benefit those suffering from abnormal behaviors and disorders, some less than beneficial means were employed through the annals of time. Treatments have ranged from torturous procedures to imprisonment to sympathetic therapy occurring before the official formation of psychology. Following the breakaway from philosophy, numerous theorists and treating professionals worked diligently to support and legitimize the science of psychology, improve treatment, and improve supportive practices for those who exhibit abnormal behavior patterns. Origins of Abnormal Psychology Abnormal behavior and treatments have been recognized extensivly throughout history long before the development of psychology as an independent science. During the height of the Greek and Roman civilizations, those with mental illnesses were treated quite well and provided with “baths, exercise, and emotional support” (Hansell & Damour, 2008, p. 26). Unlike the original Greek and Roman asylums, patients in the post-Roman era were treated...
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...Historical Perspectives of Abnormal Psychology Michael Anson Psy 410 Richard Hill February 28, 2013 Historical Perspectives of Abnormal Psychology Abnormal psychology, also known as psychopathology, studies different behaviors against what society deems normal. The study of abnormal psychology attempts to answer why some people’s behaviors are unusual, different, or abnormal. For some, abnormal behavior is due to mental illness, childhood trauma, or chemical imbalances in the brain. Because abnormal psychology has no definite boundaries, it is often a controversial field of psychology. It is an ever-changing field for the last 100 years, but several core concepts remain unchanged in abnormal psychology. Evolution of Abnormal Psychology The core concepts of abnormal psychology that caused the field to evolve into a scientific discipline are: the importance of context in defining abnormality; the continuum between normal and abnormal behavior; cultural and historical relativism in classifying abnormality; diagnosis advantages and limitations; principle of multiple causality; and the mind-body connection (Hansell, 2008). Context is important to understand abnormal behavior. An otherwise normal behavior becomes abnormal when the behavior is out of context. For example, sadness and grieving are normal behaviors when a loved one dies. Sadness and grieving; however, are abnormal if a person displays these behaviors when there is no reason such as death or other painful...
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...Historical Perspectives of Abnormal Psychology Sandra Hall PSY 410 - Abnormal Psychology May 6, 2013 Dr. Kristi Husk Historical Perspectives of Abnormal Psychology Psychology is a diverse discipline with many facets. Throughout the years, scientists have developed a variety of disciplines to understand and explain human behavior from their respective fields. One such development is the discipline of abnormal psychology. It is a relatively young discipline and consists of six core concepts. These concepts aid in the diagnosis of abnormal behavior, and includes various theoretical models to help understand psychopathology. The Origins of Abnormal Psychology and Its Evolution into a Scientific Discipline Andrew Colman defines abnormal psychology as “a branch of psychology devoted to the study of the classification, etiology, diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of mental disorders and disabilities” (Colman, 2009, p. 2). The desire to understand human behavior and (mental) illness dates back to the Ancient Greeks. In 460 BCE, Hippocrates documented his first attempts to understand mental illness. He believed illnesses are the result of an imbalance of various bodily fluids. Hippocrates’ observations led to the development of the very first biological theory of mental illness and emphasized the importance of the observation of the patient’s symptoms rather than relying on religious beliefs (Hansell & Damour, 2008). Hippocrates’ findings began the progress of...
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...Historical Perspectives of Abnormal Psychology PSY 475 Historical Perspectives of Abnormal Psychology Abnormal psychology is the field of science that looks at why people behave in “weird” ways and how to change these behaviors. There are six concepts that are used to understand abnormal psychology the best. They are; the importance of context in defining and understanding abnormality, the continuum between normal and abnormal behavior, cultural and historical relativism in defining and classifying abnormality, the advantages and limitations of diagnosis, the principle of multiple causality, and the connection between mind and body (Hansell & Damour, 2008, pg. 40). Abnormal psychology has changed over time and is still changing every time a new study is conducted. For many years people believed behavior could only be explained by spirits and demons and not science. As science technology increased so did the way that mental illness and abnormal behavior was explained. Abnormal psychology may be a newer science but the interest in how the mind works has been around forever. Origins of Abnormal Psychology Although abnormal psychology has only been around for about 100 years as field of study, people have always been interested in the concepts behind the field. Dating back all the way to prehistoric times, people have interested in understanding the mind. Archeologists have come across skulls with holes drilled in them as far back as 8,000BC, which indicates...
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...Historical Perspectives of Abnormal Psychology Autumn Messina PSY/ 410 February 18, 2012 Stephen Sharp Historical Perspectives of Abnormal Psychology Over the years abnormal psychology has undergone so many different changes but finding the root of abnormal behaviors has been the one key element to these theories to help treat those suffering from a mental illness. In the paragraphs below there will be discussion about the origins of abnormal psychology and the challenges of defining and classifying normal and abnormal behavior. An overview of how abnormal psychology has evolved into scientific discipline and how psychosocial, biological/medical, and socioculture models are related to the development of abnormal psychology. Everybody around us is not perfect and we all have some type of misunderstanding about us but with some it is worse than others. Some people have problems with depression to obsession-compulsion and these behaviors would fall under abnormal psychology. For us to understand abnormal psychology we have to know what the meaning of abnormal means. Many of our behaviors follow what is called a normal curve. This curve is shaped like a bell and most individuals are clustered at the highest tip of the curve, which would be considered normal or average. According to Cherry (2012), “people who fall very far at either end of the normal curve might be considered abnormal” (para. 2). Many things in our life can cause stress or disruption, which...
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...Historical Perspectives of Abnormal Psychology Nicole Theriault PSY/410 October 8, 2012 Dr. Sevet Johnson Historical Perspectives of Abnormal Psychology The study of abnormal behavior has been a topic of debate and profound interest for nearly 100 years. Abnormal psychology outlines the differences between what is considered normal or abnormal behavior among people of all ages and walks of life. Throughout the evolution of abnormal psychology, areas of focus within the discipline have been broken down into six core concepts, which provide for more accurate definition(s) of what is considered to be normal and abnormal behavior in individuals. To fully understand the scope and significance of contemporary abnormal psychology, it is important to understand that psychopathology and its origins has evolved into a scientific discipline and are met with constant challenges to defining and classifying normal and abnormal behavior. The following will discuss the origins of abnormal psychology, how the field has evolved into a scientific discipline in addition to a brief analysis of the psychosocial, biological/medical, and sociocultural theoretical models, which directly relate to the development of abnormal psychology. Origins of Abnormal Psychology The science of abnormal psychology is still considered to be relatively young and having only existed for approximately 100 years. However, the presence of psychopathologies among people worldwide has been recorded...
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