The Science of Psychology 11The Field of Psychology Today
Even in the twenty-first century, there isn’t one single perspective that is used to explain
all human behavior and mental processes. There are actually seven modern perspectives.
Modern Perspectives
1.3 Summarize the basic ideas behind the seven modern perspectives
in psychology.
Two of psychology’s modern perspectives are updated versions of psychoanalysis and
behaviorism, while the others focus on people’s goals, thought processes, social and cul-
tural factors, biology, and genetics. Watch the video Diverse Perspectives to get a quick
overview of the perspectives before we continue.
Practice Quiz How much do you remember?
Pick the best answer.
- In the definition of psychology, mental processes means
a. internal, covert processes.
b. unconscious processes.
c. outward or overt actions and reactions.
d. only human behavior. - Which early psychologist was the first to try to bring objectivity and
measurement to the concept of psychology?
a. Wilhelm Wundt c. John Watson
b. William James d. Sigmund Freud - Which of the following early psychologists would have been most
likely to agree with the statement, “The study of the mind should
focus on how it functions in everyday life”?
a. Wilhelm Wundt c. John Watson
b. William James d. Sigmund Freud
4. Who was the first woman to complete the coursework for a doctor-
ate at Harvard University?
a. Mary Whiton Calkins c. Margaret Washburn
b. Mary Cover Jones d. Ruth Howard
5. Which early perspective tried to return to a focus on scientific inquiry
by ignoring the study of consciousness?
a. behaviorism c. psychoanalysis
b. functionalism d. Gestalt
CCWatch the Video Diverse Perspectives