Exploring psychological perspectives on human behavior reveals how environmental, cognitive, and biological factors shape our actions and thoughts. Behavioral psychology examines the impact of conditioning, while cognitive psychology focuses on mental processes like thinking and memory. The biological perspective delves into the physiological underpinnings of behavior, including genetics and brain function. Together, these perspectives provide a comprehensive understanding of why individuals behave as they do.
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Behavioral psychologists observe and measure behaviors in response to different stimuli
Classical Conditioning
Ivan Pavlov's experiment with salivating dogs demonstrated classical conditioning
Operant Conditioning
B.F. Skinner expanded on classical conditioning with his concept of operant conditioning
Principles such as Edward Thorndike's Law of Effect are used to understand and modify behavior
Cognitive psychologists investigate how thinking, memory, perception, and problem-solving contribute to behavior
Encoding
Sensory input is encoded in the mind to guide decision-making and behavior
Storage
Information is stored in the mind to be retrieved later
Retrieval
Information is retrieved from memory to guide behavior
Cognitive schemas, built from past experiences, filter and interpret incoming information, influencing behavior
Biological processes, such as genetic factors and brain structures, significantly influence thoughts, feelings, and actions
Evolutionary psychology suggests that certain behavioral tendencies may have been naturally selected for their adaptive value
Comparative studies and physiological assessments are used to uncover the biological roots of behavior