There are three major themes that occur
throughout the field of Psychology.
1. One such theme concerns stability
versus change. The question asked is: “To what extent do we remain
stable over time, and to what extent do we change?” Psychology
addresses changes over time in cognitive abilities, physical
functioning, and personality.
2. A second theme is nature versus nurture. The question asked is: “To
what extent are various aspects of our behavior shaped by inherited
tendencies and to what extent are they learned?”
3. The third theme is rationality versus irrationality. Is it human nature
for people to act rationally or irrationally in certain situations?
Psychologists ask the question, “Why?”
The key perspectives in Psychology that cut across the previously mentioned three themes are as follows:
1. Behavioral perspective focusing on overt behavior;
2.Cognitive processes focusing on memory, thought, and reasoning;
3. Biological perspective focusing on the biological processes that underlie the behavior;
4. Evolutionary perspective focusing on the possible role of evolved psychological mechanisms in human behavior;
5. Developmental perspective focusing on changes in behavior and cognitive processes over a life span;
6. Psychodynamic perspective focusing on the role of hidden and often unconscious processes; and
7. Cultural or multicultural perspective where the focus is on the role
of social and cultural factors and especially on the differences between
cultural, ethnic, gender, sexual preference, and racial groups.
In summary, the important concept is that human behavior is highly
complex and is influenced by many different factors. Therefore, any
aspect of behavior can be examined from these many different
perspectives.
The knowledge gathered by psychologists rests firmly on the scientific
method and not just on common sense. The adoption of the scientific
method makes psychology a science.