Overview of Psychology Perspectives

Definition: The scientific study of behavior and mental processes.
Subfields: Includes clinical, cognitive, developmental, social, and industrial-organizational psychology, among others.

Behaviorism
- Focus on observable behaviors.
- Key figures: B.F. Skinner, John Watson.
- Emphasizes learning through conditioning.
Cognitive Psychology
- Examines mental processes (thinking, memory, perception).
- Influences from computer science and information theory.
- Key figures: Jean Piaget, Albert Bandura.
Psychoanalysis
- Founded by Sigmund Freud; focuses on unconscious processes.
- Emphasizes the influence of childhood experiences.
- Concepts include defense mechanisms and the id, ego, and superego.
Humanistic Psychology
- Emphasizes personal growth and self-actualization.
- Key figures: Carl Rogers, Abraham Maslow.
- Focus on individual potential and empathy.
Biopsychology
- Explores the connection between biology and behavior.
- Examines brain structure, neurotransmitters, and genetics.

Developmental Psychology
- Studies psychological growth throughout life stages.
- Focus on cognitive, social, and emotional development.
Social Psychology
- Investigates how individuals influence and are influenced by others.
- Key topics: conformity, group dynamics, and prejudice.
Abnormal Psychology
- Examines psychological disorders and their treatment.
- Classification of disorders (DSM-5).
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
- A therapeutic approach combining cognitive and behavioral techniques.
- Focuses on changing negative thought patterns and behaviors.

Experimental Method
- Involves manipulation of variables to determine cause and effect.
Correlational Method
- Assesses the relationship between two variables without manipulation.
Qualitative Research
- Explores subjective experiences through interviews and observations.
Surveys and Questionnaires
- Collects data from large groups to identify patterns and trends.

Maslow's Hierarchy of Needs
- A motivational theory in psychology comprising a five-tier model of human needs.
Piaget's Stages of Cognitive Development
- Describes how children develop cognitive abilities through four stages: sensorimotor, preoperational, concrete operational, and formal operational.

Clinical Psychology
- Diagnosis and treatment of mental health disorders.
Industrial-Organizational Psychology
- Application of psychological principles to workplace issues.
Educational Psychology
- Focuses on how people learn and the best practices for teaching.

Informed consent, confidentiality, and the welfare of participants are critical in psychological research and practice.

Psychology is defined as the scientific study of behavior and mental processes.
Major subfields include clinical, cognitive, developmental, social, and industrial-organizational psychology.

Behaviorism
- Concentrates on observable behaviors rather than internal mental states.
- Influential figures include B.F. Skinner and John Watson.
- Learning occurs primarily through conditioning methods.
Cognitive Psychology
- Focuses on mental processes such as thinking, memory, and perception.
- Draws influences from computer science and information theory.
- Seminal figures include Jean Piaget and Albert Bandura.
Psychoanalysis
- Established by Sigmund Freud, this perspective emphasizes unconscious processes.
- Highlights the impact of childhood experiences on adult behavior.
- Key concepts include defense mechanisms and the structure of personality: id, ego, and superego.
Humanistic Psychology
- Stresses personal growth and self-actualization.
- Notable proponents include Carl Rogers and Abraham Maslow.
- Centers on individual potential and the importance of empathy in relationships.
Biopsychology
- Investigates the relationship between biological factors and behavior.
- Areas of focus include brain anatomy, neurotransmitter functions, and genetic influences.

Developmental Psychology
- Explores psychological growth across different life stages.
- Emphasizes cognitive, social, and emotional development processes.
Social Psychology
- Examines how individuals influence and are influenced by social interactions.
- Key topics involve conformity, group dynamics, and prejudice.
Abnormal Psychology
- Studies psychological disorders, their characteristics, and treatment options.
- Utilizes the DSM-5 for classification of mental health disorders.
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
- Integrates cognitive and behavioral techniques for treating mental health issues.
- Aims to modify negative thought patterns and behaviors to improve mental health outcomes.

Experimental Method
- Involves manipulating variables to establish cause-and-effect relationships.
Correlational Method
- Analyzes the relationship between two variables without experimental manipulation.
Qualitative Research
- Focuses on exploring subjective experiences through interviews and observational studies.
Surveys and Questionnaires
- Used to gather data from large populations to identify patterns and trends in behavior.

Maslow's Hierarchy of Needs
- A motivational framework that depicts human needs in a five-tier model, ranging from basic survival needs to self-actualization.
Piaget's Stages of Cognitive Development
- Outlines a four-stage developmental framework: sensorimotor, preoperational, concrete operational, and formal operational stages of cognitive growth in children.

Clinical Psychology
- Centers on the diagnosis and treatment of various mental health disorders.
Industrial-Organizational Psychology
- Applies psychological principles to solve workplace-related issues and enhance employee well-being.
Educational Psychology
- Investigates learning processes and identifies effective teaching practices to improve educational outcomes.