Comparison and Contrast of Three Perspectives of Early Psychology
Running Head: COMPARISON AND CONTRAST OF THREE PERSPECTIVES
Comparison and Contrast of Three Perspectives of Early Psychology
George Carpenter
American Intercontinental University Abstract
This paper will explore the comparisons and contrasts of three of the ten different perspectives of early psychology. The three chosen for this assignment are Behavioral, Humanistic, and Cognitive. Comparison and Contrast of Three Perspectives of Early Psychology As much as anything else, psychology has many different theories and methods. One theory may be helpful to one patient while it is useless on other. The trick is to find the best method for the patient being treated.
I will attempt to explore the differences and similarities between three specific theories. These are Behaviorism, Cognitive, and Humanistic. All three have important and interesting differences.
Behaviorism is the belief that behaviors occur because of conditioning. This theory does not recognize the presence of internal mental influences such as thoughts, feelings and moods, nor does it take into consideration free will. Behaviorism also fails to take into account learning that is accomplished without reinforcement and/or punishment.
Behaviorism is science based. It relies on observable behaviors only. Early on it was felt that observable events are verifiable and could be proven false.
Like Behaviorism, Cognitive perspectives acknowledge scientific research methods. This is where the similarity ends. Cognitive psychology uses scientific research to study mental processes. Unlike Behaviorism, Cognitive psychology recognizes the presence of inner mental faculties and processes.
The primary focus for this perspective is on how people process, store, and retrieve information in the mind. It also studies how people use this information to reason and solve problems. This information can be useful for educators in setting up their curriculum so that it enhances the learning
Comparison and Contrast of Three Perspectives of Early Psychology
George Carpenter
American Intercontinental University Abstract
This paper will explore the comparisons and contrasts of three of the ten different perspectives of early psychology. The three chosen for this assignment are Behavioral, Humanistic, and Cognitive. Comparison and Contrast of Three Perspectives of Early Psychology As much as anything else, psychology has many different theories and methods. One theory may be helpful to one patient while it is useless on other. The trick is to find the best method for the patient being treated.
I will attempt to explore the differences and similarities between three specific theories. These are Behaviorism, Cognitive, and Humanistic. All three have important and interesting differences.
Behaviorism is the belief that behaviors occur because of conditioning. This theory does not recognize the presence of internal mental influences such as thoughts, feelings and moods, nor does it take into consideration free will. Behaviorism also fails to take into account learning that is accomplished without reinforcement and/or punishment.
Behaviorism is science based. It relies on observable behaviors only. Early on it was felt that observable events are verifiable and could be proven false.
Like Behaviorism, Cognitive perspectives acknowledge scientific research methods. This is where the similarity ends. Cognitive psychology uses scientific research to study mental processes. Unlike Behaviorism, Cognitive psychology recognizes the presence of inner mental faculties and processes.
The primary focus for this perspective is on how people process, store, and retrieve information in the mind. It also studies how people use this information to reason and solve problems. This information can be useful for educators in setting up their curriculum so that it enhances the learning
References: Ask.com. Psychology (2008). Retrieved 17 February 2008 from http://psychology.about.com/od/historyofpsychology/a/hist_humanistic.htm Ask.com. Psychology (2008). Retrieved 17 February 2008 from http://psychology.about.com/od/cognitivepsychology/f/cogpsych.htm Ask.com. Psychology (2008). Retrieved 17 February 2008 from http://psychology.about.com/od/behavioralpsychology/f/behaviorism.htm