Approaches to Psychology

Structuralism

Jan 25, 1879

a method of interpretation and analysis of aspects of human cognition, behavior, culture, and experience that focuses on relationships of contrast between elements in a conceptual system that reflect patterns underlying a superficial diversity.

Inheritable Traits

Jan 25, 1883

a distinguishing quality or characteristic that is transmitted genetically from one generation to the next.

Functionalism

Jan 25, 1890

the doctrine that emphasizes the adaptiveness of the mental or behavioral processes.

Gestalt

Jan 25, 1900

a configuration, pattern, or organized field having specific properties that cannot be derived from the summation of its component parts; a unified whole.

Psychoanalysis

Jan 25, 1920

a systematic structure of theories concerning the relation of conscious and unconscious psychological processes.

Behavorism

Jan 25, 1930

the theory or doctrine that human or animal psychology can be accurately studied only through the examination and analysis of objectively observable and quantifiable behavioral events, in contrast with subjective mental states.

Cognitive

Jan 26, 1950

of or relating to the mental processes of perception, memory, judgment, and reasoning, as contrasted with emotional and volitional processes.

Humanistic Psychology

Jan 25, 1960

Approach to psychology advocated by some that emphasizes feelings and emotions and the better understanding of the self in terms of observation of oneself and one's relations with others

Psychobiology

Jan 26, 1990

study how the brain, the nervous system, hormones, and genetics influence our behavior.

Sociocultural

Jan 25, 2000

relating to, or signifying the combination or interaction of social and cultural elements.