The 7 Perspectives of Psychology

Behavior is driven by unconscious forces we do not understand and are not aware of.

• Psychodynamic

• Cognitive

• Humanistic

• Evolutionary

Personality development is determined by unconscious experiences in very early childhood, so early that we often don’t remember.

• Psychodynamic

• Social Cultural

• Biological

• Humansitic

Sigmund Freud developed the beginnings of this psychological perspective.

• Psychodynamic

• Social Cultural

• Evolutionary

• Cognitive

This perspective compares the mind to a computer.

• Cognitive

• Behavioral

• Psychodynamic

• Biological

This type of psychologist would focus on how information is learned and remembered.

• Cognitive

• Behavioral

• Humanistic

• Biological

This perspective focuses on problem-solving, memory, and language development.

• Cognitive

• Behavioral

• Humanistic

• Biological

Humans are innately good and strive to reach their full potential.

• Cognitive

• Behavioral

• Humanistic

• Biological

Maslow’s pyramid states we must feel safe before we can feel love.

• Psychodynamic

• Behavioral

• Humanistic

• Evolutionary

Individuals need empathy, unconditional positive regard, and acceptance in order to grow into their best selves.

• Humanistic

• Biological

• Psychodynamic

• Behavioral

This approach focuses on how the environment shapes us.

• Social Cultural

• Biological

• Psychodynamic

• Behavioral