Psychology is
the science of mind and behavior. Its immediate goal is to understand humanity
by both discovering general principles and exploring specific cases. For many
practitioners, one goal of applied psychology is to benefit society. In this
field, a professional practitioner or researcher is called a psychologist can
be classified as a social scientist, behavioral scientist, or cognitive scientist.
Psychologists attempt to understand the role of mental functions in individual
and social behavior. And it also exploring the physiological and
neurobiological processes that underlie certain functions and behaviors.
Psychologists
explore such concepts as perception, cognition, attention, emotion,
phenomenology, motivation, brain functioning, personality, behavior, and
interpersonal relationships. Some, especially depth psychologists, also
consider the unconscious mind a Psychologists employ empirical methods to infer
causal and correlational relationships between psychosocial variables. In
addition, or in opposition, to employing empirical and deductive methods, some
especially clinical and counseling psychologists at times rely upon symbolic
interpretation and other inductive techniques. Psychology incorporates research
from the social sciences, natural sciences, and humanities, such as philosophy.
Meanwhile,
psychological knowledge is typically applied to the assessment and treatment of
mental health problems. It is also applied to understanding and solving
problems in many different spheres of human activity. Although the majority of
psychologists are involved in some kind of therapeutic role many do scientific
research on a wide range of topics related to mental processes and social
behavior or teach such knowledge in academic settings. Some are employed in
industrial and organizational settings, and in other areas such as human
development and aging, sports, health, the media, law, and forensics.
In the other
words, psychology is a broad discipline
which seeks to analyze the human mind. Different disciplines within this field
study why people behave, think, and feel the way they do. There are many
different ways to approach psychology, from examining biology's role in mental
health to the role of the environment on behavior. Some psychologists focus
only on how the mind develops, while others counsel patients to help improve
their daily lives.
The history of
psychology dates back at least to 1879, when the German psychologist Wilhelm
Wundt founded the first laboratory exclusively devoted to psychology. The most
famous psychologist is perhaps Sigmund Freud, an Austrian who founded the field
of psychoanalysis. Although Freud's theories had a huge impact on a wide
variety of areas, including literature and film, many of his ideas are
considered subjective from a modern perspective.
2.FIVE PERSPECTIVES
The field of psychology includes five perspectives such as the
biological, psychodynamic, cognitive, behavioural and humanistic perspectives.
Each of these perspective provides different aspects of behavior and mental
processes and each takes our understandings of behaviour in a somewhat
different direction.
2.1 Biological
§ The study of physiology played a major role in
the development of psychology as a separate science. Today, this perspective is
known as biological psychology. Sometimes referred to as biopsychology or
physiological psychology, this perspective emphasizes the physical and
biological bases of behavior. This perspective has grown significantly over the
last few decades, especially with advances in our ability to explore and
understand the human brain and nervous system. Tools such as MRI scans and PET
scans allow researchers to look at the brain under a variety of conditions.
Scientists can now look at the effects of brain damage, drugs, and disease in
ways that were simply not possible in the past.
2.2 Psychodynamic
§ Psychodynamic originated with the work of Sigmund
Freud. This perspective emphasizes the role of the unconscious mind, early
childhood experiences, and interpersonal relationships to explain human
behavior and to treat people suffering from mental illnesses. There are many
different ways to think about human thought and behavior. The many perspectives
in modern psychology provide researchers and students a way to approach
different problems and find new ways to explain and predict human behavior as
well as develop new treatment approaches for problem behaviors.
2.3 Cognitive
§ Cognitive is the branch of psychology that
studies mental processes including how people think, perceive, remember and
learn. As part of the larger field of cognitive science, this branch of
psychology is related to other disciplines including neuroscience, philosophy, and
linguistics. The core focus of cognitive psychology is on how people acquire,
process and store information. There are numerous practical applications for
cognitive research, such as ways to improve memory, how to increase
decision-making accuracy, and how to structure educational curricula to enhance
learning. Until the 1950s, behaviorism was the dominant school of thought in
psychology. Between 1950 and 1970, the tide began to shift against behavioral
psychology to focus on topics such as attention, memory, and problem solving.
Often referred to as the cognitive revolution, this period generated
considerable research including processing models, cognitive research methods
and the first use of the term "cognitive psychology." In year 1960s,
a new perspective known as cognitive psychology began to take hold. Known today
as the "cognitive revolution," this area of psychology focuses on
mental processes such as memory, thinking, problem solving, language and
decision-making. Influenced by psychologists such as Jean Piaget and Albert
Bandura, this perspective has grown tremendously in recent decades.
2.4 Behavioural
§ Behavioural is Attributes to
the causes of behavior to a person’s environment, something or experiences and
so focuses on observable behavior that can be measured objectively rather than
on internal cause of behavior. It is also focuses on how behaviours are learned
and reinforced. While it is also concerned with changing behaviour through
conditioning.One of the best examples is that of experiments conducted on dogs
by Pavlov. The process of conditioning was used for dogs to learn a particular
behavior. Putting food in the mouth of dogs would make them salivate. The dogs
got used to this routine and later on they began salivating at mere sight of
food. Pavlov gave food to the dogs and used a bell to indicate the time of
meal. The dogs got used to this routine and began salivating just by hearing
the bells.Another example is that of using positive/negative reinforcements so
as to influence behavior of a person. Attempts are made to influence academic
performance of a student by means of such behavior modifications. Rote
memorization also is one of the examples of influencing the behavior/way the
brain functions.The facts presented through this article should give an idea of
the concept of behavioral perspective. There are many factors which influence
the behavioral pattern of a person. The existence of innate abilities, mental
states, thoughts and feelings cannot be written off outrightly. Just like objective
observation, inherent qualities, skill, etc. have the potential to affect a
person's behavior.
2.5 Humanistic
§ Humanistic is suggests that all individuals naturally strive to grow
and develop and to control their lives and behavior. Offers a very positive viewpoint
of human nature and potential. Emphasizing the personal worth of each
individual, this perspective suggests that we are each responsible for our own
happiness and well-being as humans. We have the innate capacity for
self-actualization which is our unique desire to achieve our highest potential
as people. One of the origins of the humanistic perspective is the philosophy
of existentialism. In simple terms, existentialism is concerned with defining
the meaning of human existence. Humanistic theorists like Carl Rogers and
Abraham Maslow are likewise concerned with the striving of the human spirit to
seek meaning and self-fulfillment. Carl Rogers believed that humans are largely
positive creatures who during the course of their lives move toward becoming
fully functioning people. Such a person lives life to the fullest, is rooted in
the here and now and trusts own feelings. Rogers felt that while people are
innately driven to be fully functioning, there are obstacles preventing them
from achieving this objective.
I can describe some of the conclusions of the various psychological
perspectives. For example, in the view of my describing one of the pre-school
childrens who are in a flood that may be quite so quiet compared to other
childrens in the class. Using the behavioural approach, to explain that the
situation because she might have received a positive comment because the only
one who managed to calm herself from the other childrens. From the
psychodynamic approach, the attitude of the child is quiet because she
expresses the unconscious in the way of calls received by the singing and the
social as such. With a humanistic approach, she has to meet the needs of
self-improvement, such as achieving a high potential as a friend and a student
of peace even in the flood situation. Cognitive approach is to assume that the
child is having positive thoughts about herself. Biological approach is that it
also is a quiet child because his brain is a chemical at a relatively high
level is associated with positive mood.
The study and practice of psychology encompasses a vast range of
topics and a large number of subfields and specialty areas have developed as a
result. Because human behavior is so varied the number of subfields in
psychology is constantly growing and evolving. Psychology can be roughly
divided into two major sections research which seeks to increase our knowledge
base and practice through which our knowledge is applied to solving problems in
the real world. Because psychology touches on a number of other subjects
including biology, philosophy, anthropology, and sociology, new areas of
research and practice are continually forming.
3.PSYCHOSOCIAL FACTORS
And now, psychology factors that might psychologists use for
biological perspective to focus on how to explain the children's reactions to
the flood are Biopsychology, Clinical Psychology, Developmental Psychology,
Forensic Psychology, Industrial-Organizational Psychology, Personality
Psychology, Social Psychology and School Psychology. These factors have the
different areas of research and specialisation in psychology and also got self
descriptions.
3.1 Biopsychology
§ This area of psychology is
known by a number of titles including behavioral neuroscience, psychobiology,
and neuropsychology.
§ Biopsychologists study the
relationship between the brain and behavior, such as how the brain and nervous
system impact our thoughts, feeling, and moods.
§ This field can be thought of
as a combination of basic psychology and neuroscience.
§
Clinical psychology is the largest specialty area in psychology.
§
These psychologists apply psychological principles and research to assess,
diagnose, and treat patients with mental and emotional illnesses.
§ Clinicians often work in
private practices, but many also work in community centers or at universities
and colleges.
- Developmental
psychologists study the physical and cognitive development that occurs
over the course of the lifespan.
- These
psychologists generally specialize in an area such as infant, child,
adolescent, or geriatric development, while others may study the effects
of developmental delays.
- Forensic
psychologists apply psychological principles to legal issues. This may
involve studying criminal behavior and treatments, or working directly in
the court system.
- Forensic
psychologists often conduct evaluations, screen witnesses, or provide
testimony in court cases.
- Psychologists
in this field apply psychological principles to research on workplace
issues such as productivity and behavior.
- Some
psychologists in this field work in areas such as human factors,
ergonomics, and human-computer interaction.
- Research in
this field is known as applied research because it seeks to solve real
world problems.
- Personality
psychologists study the characteristic patterns of thoughts, feelings, and
behavior that make each person unique.
- These psychologists often work in academic settings as instructors or researchers.
- Social
psychologists study social behaviors, including how individual self-image
and behavior is impacted by interactions with others.
- These
psychologists often conduct research in academic setting, but others work
in such areas such as advertising and government.
- School psychologists
work within the educational system to help children with emotional,
social, and academic issues.
- These psychologists
collaborate with teachers, parents, and students to find solutions to
academic, social, and emotional problems.
- Most school psychologists work in elementary and secondary schools,
but others work in private clinics, hospitals, state agencies, and
universities. Some go into private practice and serve as consultants,
especially those with a doctoral degree in school psychology.
So in the biological perspective, as the description of the
state above sometimes
we could not explore
and understand the human brain and nervous
system. So, we can conclude
that the childrens is acting out of control due to disasters
such as floods occur within a few minutes
and fully their classroom
and with no thought
that they would be trapped
in the classroom.
Conditions such as hysteria, panic, shock
and unable to think
properly can happen
to anyone who experienced such this situation does not matter whether a child or an adult.
In situations like that, the childrens feel threatened because in their mind only focused on the flood
situation. No one there but their teacher are only able to calm the child so that they do not feel too worried and asking them to stand on their desk even though she was unable to think properly and she was also wet and felt helpless. The childrens really need support from their teacher that they feel safe at that time.
4.THE
DIFFERENCES BETWEEN HUMANISTIC PERSPECTIVE FROM THE COGNITIVE PERSPECTIVE
Based on that scenario,
humanistic perspective and
approach to the cognitive perspective can be
described as follows: -
4.1
Humanistic Perspective
v Is
relationship or cooperation between two or more
individuals, especially in
relationship status or social interaction.
Humanistic bad or
good can be measured by the mutual trust
between one person to another and from the
existence of an honor
or award, and a
strong sense of mutual
assistance. Not a shadow of a doubt that humanistic
be a very primordial desire of
each institution or
organization, but a key requirement of
the realization of goals and achieving the vision and mission as a key to
organizational success in general.
4.1.1
Main View
§ Enrich human life by helping them understand
themselves and encourage them to develop fully.
§ Review the whole of mankind to solve the human mind based on functions such
as perception, learning and motivation.
§ Emphasized the individual, unique and abnormal.
§ Methods used in the study is not so important compared to the studied
problems. The methods used were different to those used by other approaches.
4.1.2
Important People
Abraham Maslow - Acclaimed as a humanistic ‘third power movement’ in psychology. This stream of thought emphasizes the notion that humans see the world from their own perspective.
Carl Rogers - States that humans have the
ability to determine the fate of his own that is able to select, grow and be healthy. Human behavior to determine its own direction. Humans are naturally good and have the freedom to determine their own fate.
4.2 Cognitive Perspective
v Is the branch of psychology
that studies mental processes including how people think, perceive, remember
and learn. As part of the larger field of cognitive science, this branch of
psychology is related to other disciplines including neuroscience, philosophy,
and linguistics. It is also concerned with internal mental states and uses
scientific research methods to study mental processes.
4.2.1
Main View
§ Focus on processes, structures and mental functions. It is our minds that makes us different behavior.
§ Aimed at knowledge and practical applications. For example, if we understand the depth of the memory, we can improve teaching.
§ Objective method is preferred over the method of introspection and self-report method although both methods are useful.
4.2.2
Important People
Jean Piaget - Divides into four stages of cognitive
development are in order of age. The levels of development are :-
i.
Sensorimotor @ sensory motor stage (from birth to 2 years)
ii.
Preoperative level (2 to 7 years)
iii.
Concrete Operational Stage (7 to 12 years)
iv.
Formal Operational Stage (12 years old to adult)
5.CONCLUSION
Although there are many approaches or
perspectives in psychology,
but what is clear
to us is that
these approaches are studying the same thing but from different
angles, so the result is also a different
explanation.
Like
all scientists, psychology use the scientific method to describe, understand,
predict and eventually to achieve some measure of control over what they study.
Hence, psychology is considered a science. The field of psychology covers an
enormous diversity of topics. Some of the subfields are biopsychology,
clinical, developmental, forensic and industrial-organizational psychology and
etc.
Meanwhile,
humanistic psychologist aims to expand and enrich human lives by helping them
understand themselves and develop fully. The approach assumes people are
basically good and capable people are basically amazing and unpredictable and
can succeed. The importance of individual subjective experience is the key to
understanding the behavior itself. In the same time, cognitive psychologist is
to see people are not passive recipients of environmental stimuli, but actively
looking for experience, change and shape the experience and the mental process
to change the information within their cognitive development.
Psychology is the field of social sciences in acquiring a knowledge of psychology
practice regulations as a systematic and
scientific. Therefore, studies on humans can
cause problems that
can affect the elements of
scientific psychology. As the childrens is
in a state where the
floods and trapped
in the class
they emotions out
of control and anxiety. Meanwhile, in our
daily lives indirectly
we are doing research for ourselves and others.
Through observation and analysis, not
formal knowledge of psychology is based,
at least we
better understand ourselves and others associated
with mental processes
and behavior.
( 2916 Words )
ATTACHMENT
REFERENCES
Ma’rof Redzuan and Haslinda Abdullah
(2003). Psikologi. McGraw-Hill
(Malaysia) Sdn.
Bhd.
Kendra Cherry (2005). Perspectives in Modern Psychology.
[Online]. Available:
[2011,February 6].
Kendra Cherry (2005). What Is
Cognitive Psychology?. [Online]. Available:
[2011, February 6].
Kendra Cherry (2005). Humanistic Psychology. [Online]. Available:
[2011, February 6].
Michael W. Eysenck (2005). Psychology For AS Level. Psychology Press
Ltd.
Shashank Nakate (2011). Behavioral
Perspective. [Online]. Available:
No comments:
Post a Comment