Major Theoretical Perspectives in Psychology

Major Theoretical Perspectives in Psychology

INTRODUCTION

In this assignment I will be describing the five major schools of

psychological research. These are Behaviorism, Biological, Cognitive,

Humanist and Psychoanalytical. I will then attempt to evaluate the

pros, cons and practical applications of the Behaviorist and

Psychodynamic approaches.

BEHAVIORISM

The earliest origins of behaviorism can be stemmed from the

philosopher John Locke (1632-1704). He believed that the human being

is born as a 'tabula rasa'. This

effectively means a neonate is a blank slate with no prior knowledge

or ideas.

According to Locke it is experience through senses, which provides the

mind.

The modern founding father of behaviorism is John Watson (1878-1958).

He believed that Ψ should be about the study of observable behavior

and that behavior is molded by experience.

Behaviorists believe that however complex a piece of behavior might

be, it is possible to break it down and analyze it in basic

STIMULUS-RESPONSE units. This theory also relates to Reductionism,

where psychologists attempt to understand behavior by looking at the

most basic parts. This S-R theory can be best demonstrated in the work

of a Russian psychologist called Pavlov (1849-1936). His theory of

Classical Conditioning centred on his study of dogs and his attempt to

artificially condition a natural response. The sight/smell of food

leading to salivation is an unconditioned S-R. He introduced a neutral

stimulus when food was presented so the dogs associated the two. After

this conditioning was complete the dog salivated when presented with

the neutral stimu...

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...ed from one subject. So if the basis for the research is in

doubt the results must also be brought into question. In modern

research a large sample is demanded to give room for error and

individual differences. The main theme is that we are controlled by

our past, this is true to an extent but it implies that we have no

control over our lives. All our actions are pre-determined by past

experiences. This has also brought reservations about the merit of

Freud's theories. Flawed though it is, without it the world of

psychology would be a different place.

BIBLIOGRAPHY

Printed publications:

Perspectives in psychology Wadeley and Birch 1997 Macmillan

Psychology in perspective Hayes 2002 Palgram

Mind watching H and M Eysenck 1994 MMB

Internet Sites:

www.psychclassics.yorku.ca

www.psychology.org