Major Theoretical Perspectives in Psychology Essay -- Psychology Paper

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 ÃŽÂ ¨ 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... ...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