Types Of Psychology

In this article we will look at some of the different ways (viewpoints) psychologists use to explain behaviour.

Although each viewpoint approaches psychology from a slightly different perspective, it is important to note that there is no right or wrong viewpoint.

Rather they are all useful at enhancing our understanding of this complex subject.

Biological Viewpoint

The biological viewpoint attempts to explain behaviour by looking at biological factors, such as genes, the endocrine system, the brain and/or the nervous system.

For example, if someone says they are feeling lazy and later the cause of their laziness is discovered to be an underactive thyroid gland (hypothyroidism), we can classify this as a biological condition because the biology of that person is affecting how they behave.

Another example could include a person who is suffering from depression. If it is found they have low levels of the neurotransmitter serotonin, we can again classify it as a biological condition because there is an imbalance of chemical messengers in the brain.

By recognising when biology is affecting someone’s behaviour, we can then take appropriate action to try and control that behaviour.

Using the examples given above, and under active thyroid could be treated with iodide/iodine, whilst depression could be treated with increased sunlight exposure or psychiatric medication.

Learning Viewpoint

The learning viewpoint states that most of our behaviour is learnt from other people and through personal experience.

In general, behaviours are said to be acquired by first observing a behaviour, and then repeating it until it becomes a habit.

The more pleasure (or benefits) we receive from repeating that behaviour, the more likely it will develop as a habit.

Examples of learning from others could include things such as learning to talk, the attitudes we have and the things we like or dislike.

An influential figure in the learning viewpoint was the philosopher John Locke, who believed that at birth the mind was a “blank slate”.

Psychodynamic Viewpoint

The psychodynamic viewpoint is heavily influenced by Freud and his work on psychoanalysis. It states that our behaviour comes as a result of the conflict between our primitive sexual and aggressive impulses and our moral and ethical values.

The psychodynamic viewpoint also believes that emotional conflicts can bring out, or make worse, things such as anxiety, anger or depression.

This view of behaviour is similar to the Triune Brain Model, which states that the conflict between each of our different brains (reptilian, limbic, neocortex) can explain much of why we act the way we do.

Cognitive Viewpoint

The cognitive viewpoint believes that the reason why a person acted or felt the way they did, was because of the thoughts that were in their mind at the time.

For example, suppose you decide to go to the shop and get some food, you might first think “I’m running low on milk so I better go buy some more”.

Or, a person who is feeling depressed may be feeling that way because they are constantly thinking to themselves how bad their life is and how worthless they are.

Note : The cognitive viewpoint may be useful for looking at rational thinking behaviour. In cases where we respond primitively (such as during fear, arousal or hunger) our feelings rather than our thoughts may be a more important factor.

Humanistic Viewpoint

This viewpoint states that some of our behaviour can only be understood by looking at the psychological processes that are unique to humans.

Two things tend to be the most important when studying behaviour from a humanistic perspective, self actualisation and the will to meaning.

Self actualisation as defined by the psychologist Abraham Maslow, as the motivation we experience from trying to satisfy our needs, such as the need for survival, reproduction, love and personal achievement.

The will to meaning as defined by Viktor Frankl, is the motivation we experience from trying to make sense out of life and determining how best we can live that life (values).

The humanistic viewpoint is heavily influenced by existentialism, which emphasises the importance of free will and responsibility in behaviour.

Sociocultural Viewpoint

The sociocultural viewpoint believes that much of our behaviour is determined by society and culture.

For example, if you live in a bad neighbour where drugs and violence is common, this will have a different effect on your behaviour than if you lived in a good neighbourhood where these things were not present.

Note : We tend to become like the people we hang around the most.

Summary

A viewpoint in psychology is a way in which behaviour can be explained.

• The biological viewpoint states that our behaviour comes as a result of biological processes that occur in the body.

• The learning viewpoint believes that much of our behaviour is learnt from other people and through personal experience.

• The psychodynamic viewpoint believes behaviour is a result of the conflict that occurs between our primal urges and our rational thinking.

• The cognitive viewpoint states that behaviour is due to our thoughts.

• The humanistic viewpoint sees the desire to fulfil our needs as what drives behaviour.

• The sociocultural viewpoint believes behaviour is a result of the conditioning we receive from our environment.

 

Note : In reality all behaviour can probably not be completely explained by one viewpoint, so it is likely that multiple viewpoints will come into play and that these viewpoints themselves will interact with each other having a cumulative effect.

For example, a person may be experiencing depression because of their negative thought patterns (cognitive viewpoint), which they acquired when they were younger from the people around them (sociocultural viewpoint).

As a result, they feel depressed because they are not fulfilling their basic needs (humanistic viewpoint).

Fields Of Psychology

Below is a list of the main fields of psychology.

Clinical Psychology

This field is associated with psychotherapy and psychological testing, and clinical psychologists aim to help people with mental disorders or personal problems.

Psychotherapy involves helping a person without the use of drugs, by guiding them so that they can help themselves.

Psychological testing involves performing a series of tests on a person (usually intelligence or personality tests) to determine the state of a mental disorder and how best it should be treated.

Clinical psychology is the largest field of psychology, whereby around 40% of psychologists are clinical psychologists.

Experimental Psychology

Experimental psychology performs experiments on people (or animals) to see how they behave under certain conditions.

One famous experimental psychologist was Ivan Pavlov, who showed how dogs can be made to salivate when a bell is rung (conditioned reflex).

Although only about 6% of psychologists are experimental psychologists, it is perhaps one of the most important fields of psychology since its findings help advance our understanding of the subject as a whole.

Counselling Psychologist

Usual found in schools, counselling psychologists provide help and advice to people with various personal problems. If that person is found to have a particular mental disorder, they may then be referred to a psychologist or psychiatrist.

Developmental Psychologist

Developmental psychologists are interested in how we grow from children to adults, and how we can best learn new information at different stages of our life.

Physiological Psychologist

This type of psychologist researches how biological factors influence our behaviour. For example, the effect hormones have on the way we feel and act.

Human Factors Psychologist

A human factors psychologist combines engineering and psychology, by making things more comfortable or user friendly for people. For example, simplifying a set of instructions so they are easy to follow.

Industrial Psychologist

These psychologists usually work for businesses, so that they can help provide a better working environment for the employees with the aim of increasing productivity and decreasing stress.

More Information About The Types Of Psychologists

For more information about the different types of psychologists see “Types Of Psychologists”