Perspective Subject Matter Key Assumption Influenced By
Biological Nervous system, Endocrine system, hormones, genetic factors Biological processes influence behavior and mental processes Associationism and neuroscience
Evolutionary Physical traits, social behavior Variation from genetic mutation produces adaptive organisms that survive and transmit their genes Charles Darwin and evolution
Cognitive Interpretation of mental images, thinking, language Perceptions and thoughts influence behavior Structuralism, functionalism, Gestalt psychology
Humanistic Self-concept People make free and conscious choices based on unique experiences Introspection and belief in free will
Psychoanalytic Unconscious processes, early childhood experiences Unconscious motives influence behavior Sigmund Freud
Learning Environmental influences, learning, observational learning Personal experiences and reinforcement guide individual development John B Watson, behavioralism
Sociocultural Ethnicity, gender, culture, religion, socio-economic status Sociocultural, biological, and psychological factors create individual differences Social, environmental, and cross-cultural psychology
Biopsychosocial Biology, psychology, social factors Mental processes are influenced by the interaction of biological, psychological, and social factors Holistic health and social psychology