Humanistic Approach
By the middle of the 20th century, in disagreement with both behaviorists and psychoana-
lysts, Abraham Maslow, Carl Rogers, and other psychologists thought that humans have
unique qualities of behavior different from other animals. The unique qualities of free will
and potential for personal growth guide behavior and mental processes. Humanists empha-
size the importance of people’s feelings and view human nature as naturally positive and
growth seeking. Using interview techniques, humanists believe that people have the ability
to solve their own problems.Biological Approach
At about the same time, research on the physiological bases of behavior flourished.
Technological advances enabled biologists to extend knowledge far beyond Weber’s,
Fechner’s, and von Helmholtz’s work to examine how complex chemical and biological
processes within the nervous and endocrine systems are related to the behavior of organ-
isms. Many biological psychologists think that the mind is what the brain does.Evolutionary Approach
An offshoot of the biological approach, evolutionary psychologists, returning to Darwin’s
Theory of Natural Selection, explain behavior patterns as adaptations naturally selected for,
because they increase reproductive success.Cognitive Approach
Technological advances also permitted psychologists to renew their study of consciousness
(thinking and memory), currently called cognition. Cognitive psychologists emphasize the
importance of receiving, storing, and processing information; of thinking and reasoning;
and of language to understanding human behavior.Sociocultural Approach
In the second half of the 20th century, travel and the economy became more global, greatly
increasing interactions among people from different cultures. Psychologists recognized that
people from different cultures interpret gestures, body language, and spoken language dif-
ferently from one another. Psychologists began to study social and environmental factors
that influence these cultural differences in behavior. The sociocultural approachexamines
cultural differences in an attempt to understand, predict, and control behavior.
Most psychologists adopt ideas from multiple perspectives. Psychologists who use
techniques and adopt ideas from a variety of approaches are considered eclectic.Subfields of Psychology
Scientific psychology developed in universities with research laboratories where basic
research was conducted. After World War II, many opportunities for applied psychologists
developed outside of these institutions. The number of clinical, counseling, and school psy-
chologists mainly involved in treatment grew enormously. Specialties treating children, ado-
lescents, students, older people, and athletes emerged. Industries and organizations hired
psychologists to help them prosper. The field became more fragmented and specialized.
Research and applied psychologists deal with a huge number of topics. Topics can be
grouped into categories known as subfields. Psychologists specializing in different subfields
identify themselves with many labels. Examples include the following:46 ❯ STEP 4. Review the Knowledge You Need to Score High
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