Every sciences emerge as correlations adaptations and refinement of common sense (Oppenheimer, 1956), whereas, common sense is the regarded as the source from which science emerges and to which it should repeat. In this perspective, the science of psychology is no different.
Fritz Heider, one of the pioneers of advanced psychology, saw the errand of psychology as the common sense systematisation. Psychology incorporates the investigation of self-evident, routine phenomena, enticed to include that it provides more than common sense. Nevertheless, Intuitive psychology and common sense provide a comprehension of actions of human that might appear to be ambiguous and is frequently opposing. Considering the two proverbs, ‘’many hands make light work’’ vs. ‘’too many cooks spoil the broth’’, ‘’absence makes the heart grow fonder’’ vs. ‘’out of sight, out of mind’’ and others. It is not that every maxim does not offer information. The matter is to figure out systemically the situation under which they are right (Webb, 2008).
Theoretical Approaches to Psychology
There are six basic approaches to the study of psychology. However, some theorists also include a seventh approach. The six approaches are; Evolutionary, Biological, Cognitive, Humanistic and Psychodynamic approach. The seventh is Socio-cultural approach (social studies).
1. The Biological approach principally emphasises on the actions and processes of the nervous system, hormones, the brain and the genetics in order to explain human behaviour. The focus of behaviour genetics is to demonstrate the impact of nervous system, genetics, hormones and brain activities over human behaviour. The basic assumption of this approach is that it clearly explains human behaviour in terms of biology which may include hormones and genes. Behaviours have evolutionary and adaptive purposes, since the genes of human have developed over a period of million years. The areas of application of biological approach are Gender role development, IQ, Interpersonal relationships, Abnormal psychology, SRRS (stress response/immune system) and the medical model. This approach is very scientific. It is applied to other areas such as the Evolutionary psychology equal Biology plus Cognitive. This approach helps in the development of comparative psychology. Thus, it offers strong arguments in the direction of debate of nurture, as it ignores the role of nurture. In addition, this approach is supported by a number of empirical theories (Pennington, 2002).
2. The Psychodynamic approach was proposed by a view on a person’s behaviour. It focuses on the unconscious, inner conflicts of the human psyche. Additionally it emphasises on the aggressive and sexual instincts that clash with norms and rituals of society. One of the strong aspects of this approach is impact of experiences of childhood over the personality development and formation. For example, psychodynamic approach involves the effects of the Electra and Oedipus complex on childhood. Freud first described the significance of childhood experiences and how they influence personality development. This approach also leads to other psychologists such as Anna Freud and her application of psychoanalysis to children (Eysenck and Flanagan, 2001).
3. The Behavioural approach examines the process of learning. It focuses specifically on the impact of punishment and reward on a person’s behaviour. Behaviourism is principally concerned with detectable actions, rather than inner occasions like cognition and feeling. Observable (i.e. outer) actions might be experimentally and objectively considered. Inner events, for example cognition considering ought to be clarified in behavioural terms. Behaviourist approach successfully implemented traditional and operant modeling to its speculations. Behavioural psychologists use lab experiments and case studies in their research, for example, little Albert (Gross, 2010).
4. Evolutionary approach focus on the primary instincts of survival and how they impact behaviours of human beings. It is the investigation of the psychological adjustments of people to the altering physical and the social surroundings, in particular behavioural distinctions and cognitive systems in people. Evolutionary psychology studies human actions that fuse the impacts of advancement, for example, passing on genes. As our precursors stood up to issues, they describe methods for tackling those issues. Over the long run, the best results improved into fundamental senses. Those conducts are tempered by information from our society, family, and distinct components. However, the underlying conducts are instinctual (Pennington, 2002).
5. Cognitive Approach concentrates on the way people process data, by examining how we treat information that comes into the individual (what behaviourists might call jolts), and how this intervention prompts reactions. They are intrigued by the variables that intercede between stimulus-input and response-output. Cognitive psychologists study interior methodologies incorporating observation, consideration, dialect, memory and considering. They may also use lab experiments. According to Cognitive psychology, if one needs to assess the behaviours of people, he should comprehend the inner processes of internal mind (Eysenck and Flanagan, 2001)
Most Influential Psychologists and Their Contribution
1. Freud (1856–1939)
- Psychosexual Development
- The Ego, Id and Superego
- The Unconscious and Conscious Mind
- Death and Life Instincts
Notwithstanding the observation of Sigmund Freud's hypotheses, there is no doubt that he had a gigantic effect on the field of psychology. His work upheld the conviction that not all psychological sicknesses have physiological reasons and he likewise offered proof that social contrasts have an effect on human psychology and actions. His work and works helped our comprehension of personality, clinical psychology, human development and abnormal psychology (Freud, 2004).
2. Alfred Adler's (1870-1973)
Theories of Adler played a vital role in the contribution of psychology including his child development and therapy. The ideas of Adler also impact other theorists. The concepts and ideas of Adler are termed as Adlerian psychology (Carrell, 2011).
3. Carl Jung (1875-1961).
Jungian theorist sees humans from a positive perspective. They believe that humans are intrinsically liable for taking a chief and central position in the world. Nonetheless, this process of individualisation is not acquired just by gaining notoriety and glory by means of attaining materialistic or fame (Jung, 1971, p. 8). Instead of becoming strictly individualised, character must get transcendent and grasp the part of unconscious of their personality. Those individuals who fail in completely integrating the unconscious and conscious oppositional forcing elements of the personality will fail to develop up to the optimal capacity of acquiring self-realisation (Carrell, 2011).
4. Karen Horney (1885–1952)
Karen Horney’s contribution is important to feminine psychology, humanism, and psychoanalysis and self-psychology. Horney’s contribution to rejection of theories of Freud about women made women psychology more interesting. According to Horney people are capable of self-therapy; focusing the personalized role in every person every individual has their own psychological health and motivating self-help and self-analysis (Cherry, 2013).
5. Jean Piaget (1896-1980)
The work of Jean Piaget is very influential in the field of psychology, especially regarding the children’s intellectual development. In the growth of cognitive psychology, developmental psychology and genetic psychology his theory of is a major contribution. He described the though process and intellectual growth of children (Cherry, 2013).
6. Carl Rogers (1902–1987)
Integral to Rogers' theory of personality is the thought of self or self-concept (Rogers, 1954). This is characterized as "the arranged, unwavering set of recognitions and convictions in the ballpark of oneself". The humanistic methodology states that the self is made out of notions interesting to us (Cherry, 2013).
7. Erik Erikson (1902- 1994)
The theory of stages of psychosocial development is postulated by Erik Erikson which helped in forming research on development in human throughout the lifecycle. Erickson depleted psychoanalytic theory by demonstrating all the stages of development that an individual undergoes encompassing childhood, adulthood and old age (Cherry, 2013).
8. B.F Skinner (1904-1990)
Skinner is famous for his research on operant conditioning and negative reinforcement. Skinner’s theory of behaviourism made him an eminent psychologist. His theory based therapies are still implemented in therapy sessions today including token economy and behaviour modifications (Cherry, 2013).
9. Abraham Maslow (1908–1970)
The era of development of psychology when other theorists were focusing on abnormality of human nature, Abraham Maslow appeared with a new concept of positive aspect of psychological health. His contribution in enhancing mental health, human potential, looking for highest experience had an enduring impact on psychology whereas, work of Maslow was favoured by a number of educational psychologists. His theories of positive psychology have been regarded as a major contribution in the field of psychology (Cherry, 2013).
10. Albert Bandura (1925)
The work of Bandura is considered in psychology as a part of the revolutionary psychology. The theory of Bandura is known as social learning theory which emphasises on the significance of learning through observation, modelling and imitation (Cherry, 2013).
Psychodynamic and Social learning theories
Both the theories help in demonstrating human nature and behaviour. The Psychodynamic theory can be implemented in daily life attaining balance between id, ego and supper ego. In addition, the theory demonstrates psychodynamic development by the concept of over and under gratification, for example, psychosexual development.
On the other hand, Behaviourist Theory demonstrates the processes of learning in daily life including modelling and observational learning. These methods can be implemented in daily routine. Behaviour modification techniques are helpful in learning desirable behaviours and removing undesirable behaviour (Eysenck and Flanagan, 2001).
Ethical Guidelines on the Practice of Psychology Today
According to British Psychology Society some basic ethical guidelines in practicing psychology research and therapy include beneficence, confidentiality, autonomy and fidelity. It is recommended that while practicing psychology counsellor, psychologist or therapist should make sure that no ethical principles are violated intentionally or unintentionally. For example, that the participant does not experience any physical or emotional harm (Eysenck and Flanagan, 2001).
Conclusion
Psychology is the study of the mind and behaviour. It embraces all aspects of the human experience ranging from the functions of the brain to the actions of nations, from child development to care for the aged. In every conceivable setting from scientific research centres to mental healthcare services, the understanding of behaviour is the enterprise of psychologists. The science of psychology offers a deeper and empirical understanding of human nature and behaviour. Psychology helps in enhancing the quality of life due to its real life applications.
