MODERN PSYCHOLOGICAL PERSPECTIVES:

are different ways to understand why people think, feel, and behave the way they
do. Each perspective focuses on different factors that shape human behaviour.
1. COGNITIVE PSYCHOLOGY:
Cognitive psychology studies how our brain processes information—how we
think, learn, remember, and solve problems.
Jean Piaget – Studied how children learn and develop thinking skills.
Noam Chomsky – Researched how people learn language.
Main Concepts:
Memory – Why do we remember some things but forget others?
Problem-Solving – How do we figure things out in different situations?
Decision-Making – How do we choose what to do?
2. BIOLOGICAL PERSPECTIVE
This perspective looks at how our brain, hormones, and genetics influence
behavior. It explains why we feel emotions, why we get stressed, and why some
people have mental health conditions.
Brain Structures – Different parts of the brain control emotions, memory, and
thinking.
Cerebrum – Thinking, decision-making, voluntary movements
Prefrontal Cortex – Decision-making, self-control, personality
Hippocampus – Memory formation, learning
Neurotransmitters – Neurotransmitters are chemicals in the brain that help send
messages between nerve cells (neurons).
Dopamine – Controls pleasure, motivation, and movement (Example: Feeling
happy after achieving a goal).
Serotonin – Regulates mood, sleep, and appetite (Example: Low levels are linked
to depression).
Endorphins – Reduce pain and create feelings of happiness (Example: Feeling
good after exercise).
Genetics – Some mental health conditions can run in families.
Depression – If a parent has depression, their child is more likely to experience it.
Schizophrenia – People with a close relative (parent/sibling) who has
schizophrenia have a higher chance of developing it.
3. Evolutionary Psychology
This perspective explains why humans behave in certain ways based on
survival and adaptation. It says that our thoughts and behaviors come from what
helped our ancestors survive.
 Charles Darwin – His theory of natural selection explains why some
behaviors have continued through generations.
Examples for Each Concept:
1. Fear Responses – Many people are afraid of snakes or heights, even if they
have never had a bad experience with them. This fear exists because, in
ancient times, snakes were often venomous, and falling from heights was
deadly, so people who avoided these dangers were more likely to survive
and pass on their genes.
2. Survival and Reproduction – Early humans who were good at hunting,
gathering food, or protecting their group had a higher chance of surviving
and reproducing. These survival skills were passed down, which is why
people today still have instincts like fight-or-flight when facing danger.
3. Mate Selection – Studies show that women are often attracted to men with
broad shoulders and deep voices, which are signs of strength and good
health. Similarly, men may be attracted to women with clear skin and
symmetrical faces, which are signs of good genes and fertility. These
preferences come from ancient times when humans looked for mates who
could ensure healthy offspring and survival.
4. Sociocultural Perspective – How Society and Culture Shape Us
Key Idea:
This perspective looks at how our surroundings, family, and culture influence
our behavior. It explains why people from different cultures behave
differently.
Famous Psychologist:
 Lev Vygotsky – Studied how children learn through social interactions.
Main Concepts:
Examples for Each Concept:
1. Social Norms – In many cultures, shaking hands is a polite way to greet
someone, while in others, bowing or hugging is more common. These
unwritten rules guide how people behave in society.
 2. Group Influence – A teenager who normally does not smoke may start
smoking if their friends do because they want to fit in. This is an example of
peer pressure, where a person changes their behavior to match the group.
3. Cross-Cultural Psychology – In Western countries (like the USA), people
value independence, while in Asian cultures (like Japan or China), people
focus more on family and community. This explains why personal success is
emphasized in some cultures, while group harmony is more important in
others.
5. Positive Psychology – How to Be Happy and Live a Good Life
Key Idea:
Positive psychology focuses on happiness, personal strengths, and well-being
instead of just mental illness. It studies what makes life meaningful and fulfilling.
Famous Psychologist:
 Martin Seligman – Developed the idea of positive psychology.
Main Concepts:
 Happiness and Well-Being – What makes people feel truly happy?
 Gratitude and Optimism – Being thankful and positive improves mental
health.
 PERMA Model – 5 things that make life fulfilling:
o Positive Emotion
o Engagement
o Relationships
o Meaning
o Accomplishment