The Psychodynamic Perspective: Psychodynamic theorists, most notably Sigmund Freud, argued that thought and behavior are determined by unconscious conflicts. (Unconscious conflicts are mental conflicts that we are not aware of and cannot think about directly) Key figures: Sigmund Freud Carl Jung Key methods: Psychoanalysis

The Humanistic Perspective: While psychodynamic theorists have tended to focus on the dark side of human nature, humanistic psychologists have taken the position that human beings are innately good and constantly moving toward higher levels of functioning (self- actualization). Humanistic psychologists believe that if humans fail to self-actualize, it is because society somehow blocks this path for them. Key figures: Key methods: Carl Rogers Client-centered therapy Abraham Maslow

The Cognitive Perspective: The cognitive perspective focuses on studying mental processes of thought, such as visual processing, memory, problem solving, and language, and on determining the role that mental processes play in determining emotions and behavior. Mental processes cannot be studied directly because they are not directly observable. Instead, cognitive psychologists draw inferences about what is going on with mental processes based on the study of observable behaviors. This perspective attempts to investigate the internal mental processes of thought. Cognitive psychologists study how people: think - remember - solve problems - explain experiences - form beliefs Cognitive psychologists who do "basic" research study attention – perception memory – problem solving – emotions - language Key figures: Jean Piaget

The Behaviorist Perspective: Founded by John B. Watson, the behaviorist perspective claims that behavior should be both observable and measurable. Behavior is a learned process. According to this perspective the goal of psychology is to be able to predict and control behavior. Experimentation is very important to behaviorism. Key figures: B.F. Skinner Ivan Pavlov Key methods: Experimentation,Classical conditioning, Operant conditioning

The Biological Perspective: The biological perspective emphasizes the role of the nervous system, the endocrine (hormonal) system, and genetics in controlling mental processes and behavior. Key figures: James Olds Roger Sperry Key terms: nervous system hormones neurotransmitters

The Socio-cultural Perspective: The Socio-cultural theory states that our cognitive developmental processes (learning processes), are merely products of our society and culture. Different cultures have various systems, including: beliefs, values, manners, normative behaviors, and practices. The upbringing that one has establishes a pattern of behavior. Key figures: Lev Vygotsky.