Introduction and Perspective (worth 30 points)
Learning Objective 1a
Each of the major perspectives in psychology provides insight and a unique way of explaining human behavior, thought, and emotion.
Step 1: Review Textbook 1.3: History of Psychology and Main Perspectives and carefully review the “Main Perspectives Key Words Chart” to prompt your memory of the main concepts of each perspective.
Main Perspectives Key Words Chart
| Biological |
Psychodynamic |
Behavioral |
Humanistic |
Cognitive |
Cross-Cultural |
Evolutionary |
| neurotransmitter imbalances |
unconscious processes |
observable behavior |
self-actualization (reaching one’s full potential) |
cognition (thought) |
cultural values |
natural selection |
| nervous system, especially the brain |
childhood experiences |
behavior and consequences |
unconditional positive regard/empathy/congruence |
problem-solving |
universality and diversity |
survival of the fittest |
| genetics |
id, ego, and superego |
rewards and punishments |
person’s unique worldview/capacity to “choose” how to think and act |
decision- making |
Individualist and Collectivist cultures |
genetic adaptations |
| endocrine system |
ego defense mechanisms |
laws of learning |
concern regarding conditions of worth |
belief system |
relevance of cultural factors |
biological preparedness |
Step 2: Create and post a written response that addresses the following prompts:
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- In your first paragraph, please include the following:
- Introduce yourself to your classmates.
- Explain the academic degree and area of study you are currently pursuing.
- Describe your career goals and explain what you believe the ideal but also realistic job in your career would look like. If you would like to search information about your ideal job, please consult the following link: O*NET Online.
- Explain the personal or professional challenges you anticipate in your career-of-interest.
- In your first paragraph, please include the following:
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- Most professionals in the field of psychology are eclectic, drawing on more than one approach to capture their perspective in psychology. In the next paragraph of your post, please include the following:
- Identify at least *two* of the main approaches that are most relevant to the career-of-interest you identified and explain why.
- If a friend asked you why the main approaches are relevant to understanding human psychology, how would you thoughtfully respond to your friend’s question?
- Most professionals in the field of psychology are eclectic, drawing on more than one approach to capture their perspective in psychology. In the next paragraph of your post, please include the following:
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