The History and Scope of Psychology Module 1

Contemporary Psychology

Psychology’s Three Main Levels of Analysis

Social-cultural Influences

•presence of others

•cultural, societal, and family expectations

•peer and other group influences

•compelling models (such as media)

Behavior or mental process

Psychological Influences

•learned fears and other learnt expectations

•emotional responses

•cognitive processing and perceptual interpretations

Biological influences

•genetic predispositions

•genetic mutations

•natural selection of adaptive physiology and behaviors

•genes responding to environment


	OBJECTIVE 1-6\| Identify the three main levels of analysis in the biopsychosocial approach, and explain why psychology’s varied perspectives are complementary. Biopsychosocial approach considers the influence of biological, psychological, and socio-cultural factors on behavior. Each approach provides an incomplete explanation of behaviors.