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In psychology, the term ‘approach’ refers to a paradigm or set of principles based on beliefs about people and the way that they function. Different approaches may offer different explanations for behaviours. The main approaches are:
- biological
- behavioural
- cognitive
- psychodynamic
- humanistic
- sociocultural.
Each approach influences which aspects of people will be studied and what methods of inquiry will be chosen. For example:
- Biological researchers look at the chemical and neurological processes that affect us.
- Behaviourists look at how the environment conditions us.
- Cognitive psychologists examine the mind as an information-processing machine.
- Psychodynamic psychologists look at the hidden impulses and desires we have, and how these affect our behaviour.
- Humanists see people as whole – as unique beings with an ability to reach our potential.
- Socio-cultural psychologists focus on understanding cultures from their own ecological, historical, philosophical, and religious perspectives.
In practice, psychologists may disagree greatly in the explanations they offer. This is a reflection of the richness and complexity of human behaviour.
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