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Viewpoints & Theories
Psychology has different viewpoints that are supported by theories. Each viewpoint is important and was developed by different people. While these theories don’t explain everything about psychology, they each represent a significant part of it. Most of these theories were created a long time ago and have been tested by researchers over the years. As new research is conducted, the original theories are improved, but it’s still helpful to study the original theories first.
Psychology is Science
Social science. Psychology is a social science. The main social sciences are anthropology, economics, political science, psychology, and sociology.
Physical science. The natural sciences of chemistry, physics, earth science, and life science are often collectively referred to as the physical sciences.
The difference between physical science and social science is in the things they study. Physical sciences study things that can be measured and looked at in a controlled setting. Social sciences sometimes measure things in a controlled environment also. But social science also includes things related to human behavior, culture, and society that are not in a controlled environment.
Things shown in this aerial photo could be described by physical science, such as the wind, air, mountains, physiology, and athleticism. It could also be studied through motivation, fears, brain chemistry, and social expectations.
Both types of sciences are concerned with the study of natural phenomena, and both rely on systematic and rigorous methods to gather and analyze data. Additionally, both types of sciences involve the use of theory and hypotheses to explain or predict phenomena in the natural world.
Physical sciences tend to primarily rely on quantitative methods and experimentation. Social sciences use quantitative and qualitative methods to observe, measure, predict, and make conclusions.
Psychology students learn about important psychological theories.
In psychology class, students learn about important theories that help us understand how people think and behave.
These theories are the building blocks for research and practice in psychology. 
There are several important theories, including psychoanalytic, behaviorist, cognitive, and humanistic theories.
Each theory offers a different way to understand how people develop, act, and think.
By studying these theories, psychology students can get a better understanding of the field, which can help them in future studies or work.
Psychological Theory Viewpoints
Psychological Perspectives Video (15 minutes)
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- Psychodynamic: Unconscious – Past
- Behavioral: Learning – Environment
- Humanistic: Free will – Personal Choice
- Cognitive: Thinking – Conscious thought
- Biological:Brain – Neuroscience
- Evolutionary: Adaptation – Reproduce
- Sociocultural: Social – Norms
- Bio-Psycho-Social: All models connected
Remembering the Viewpoints
Remembering the 7 Perspectives Video (7 minutes)
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- Thumb point behind – (Past) psychodynamic
- Pointer finger point to temple (Thinking) cognitive
- Middle finger up (Learned) behavioral
- Ring finger (“The best you”) humanistic
- Pinky back of neck (Brain chemistry) biological
- Palm of hand high five (Society) sociocultural
- Invisible finger (Adaptation) evolutionary
Summary of the Viewpoints
Psychodynamic: Psychodynamic psychology is a way of understanding how our unconscious mind and past experiences can affect our behavior and emotions. This approach suggests that some of our thoughts and feelings are hidden deep in our mind and can influence our behavior without us even realizing it.
Behavioral: Behavioral psychology is the study of how our behavior is shaped by our environment. This approach suggests that our behavior is learned through our experiences and interactions with the world around us, and that it can be changed by altering our environment or providing new experiences.
Humanistic: Humanistic psychology is a way of understanding how people make choices and strive for personal growth and fulfillment. This approach suggests that each person has the ability to make choices based on their own values and beliefs, and that individuals have the potential to achieve their full potential.
Cognitive: Cognitive psychology is the study of how our thinking affects our behavior. This approach suggests that our thoughts and beliefs can influence our emotions, behavior, and physical sensations. Cognitive psychologists study how people process information, solve problems, and make decisions.
Biological: Biological psychology is the study of how our brain and nervous system affect our behavior. This approach suggests that our behavior is influenced by our biological makeup, including our genes, hormones, and brain structure. Biological psychologists study how the brain processes information, controls behavior, and interacts with the environment.
Evolutionary: Evolutionary psychology is the study of how our behavior is influenced by our evolutionary history. This approach suggests that our behavior is shaped by our need to adapt and survive. Evolutionary psychologists study how our behavior and psychology have evolved over time to help us adapt to new challenges.
Sociocultural: Sociocultural psychology is the study of how our behavior is influenced by our cultural and social environment. This approach suggests that our behavior is shaped by our cultural beliefs, values, and norms, as well as our interactions with other people. Sociocultural psychologists study how culture and social factors affect our behavior, emotions, and thoughts.
Bio-Psycho-Social: Bio-psycho-social psychology is a way of understanding how different things can affect a person’s behavior and mental health. This way of thinking takes into account how a person’s body, thoughts, and environment all work together to make them who they are. It recognizes that everyone is unique and that many things, like their family, friends, and where they live, can impact how they feel and act.
FYI: A Physical Science Comparison
Newtonian physics is a type of science that talks about how things move. It says that space and time are separate things that don’t change. Meanwhile, Einstein’s theory of relativity is another type of science that says space and time are together and can change. We still use both of these ideas today. Newtonian physics is used to help us understand everyday things like speed, force, and weight. On the other hand, Einstein’s theory helps us understand things like how time and distance work in space. Neither of these ideas is better than the other. It just depends on what we’re trying to understand.
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