Three Prespectives of Early Psychology

Running Head: THREE PRESPECTIVES OF EARLY PSYCHOLOGY

Unit One Individual Assignment

Abstract

Three different perspectives used by early psychologists were the psychodynamic, humanistic, and evolutionary perspectives. These approaches are used by psychologists in their studies of the basic foundation of human behavior. The perspectives were developed and used by psychologists, who were the pioneers of early psychology. Now among the many different methods used, these three perspectives are still in use by current psychologists and students of psychology. Although these perspectives have a few similarities, they also differ in their own respect. The evolutionary and humanistic perspectives both share the common belief that organisms have the conscious ability to control there behavior, while the psychodynamic perspective believes that behavior is greatly influenced by unconscious forces.

Three Perspectives of Early Psychology

Three different perspectives used by early psychologists were the humanistic, evolutionary, and psychodynamic perspectives. The humanistic perspective is the belief that people have a natural tendency to make conscious decisions along with total control over their behavior. This perspective emphasizes a free will and the ability to be decisive about the choices in their lives. Two of the major contributors of this perspective were Abraham Maslow and Carl Rogers, who stressed that all human being have a basic need to grow to their fullest potential. The evolutionary perspective was directly related to Charles Darwin, who presented the theory of evolution. The main focus is on the influence of biology in determining human behavior. The belief is that behavioral and or physical structure is developed and aids in adaptation. The strongest and most fit organisms will survive, while the weakest will fade out as stated in accordance with natural selection. Sigmund Freud in his studies as a neurologist, along with his followers, defined the psychodynamic perspective. It is a belief that behavior is influenced primarily by unconscious or inner forces. Much of the early studies were to suggest that behavior is influenced greatly by early childhood experiences.

Each of these perspectives is