Introduction to the Theories of Psychology
Jessica Motherwell McFarlane
Understanding Theory in Psychology
You are also about to discover in this chapter that there is a creative tension — a friction — between theories that may appear contradictory or opposite. This tension is not about conflict, but rather about how these differing perspectives can complement and enrich each other and offer us a better understanding of complex psychological phenomena.
For example, there is a creative tension between biopsychology and cultural psychology. Biopsychology, with its focus on the biological underpinnings of behaviour, such as brain function and genetics, might seem to be the opposite of cultural psychology, which emphasises the influence of cultural and societal factors on behaviour. Considering the research from both biopsychology and cultural psychology helps us to grow a more complete understanding of the many internal and external influencers of human behaviour. Together, they provide a more comprehensive view, acknowledging both the innate and environmental factors that shape human psychology.
In summary, this apparent creative tension in psychology is not about choosing one theory over another. It’s about benefiting from the strengths and being mindful of the weaknesses of each approach to gain a deeper understanding of the human mind and behaviour. Our embracing this creative tension is our way of acknowledging that psychology is too complex to be fully explained by any single theory.
| Theory | Description |
|---|---|
| Functionalism | Studies mental life and emphasises adaptation to environments. |
| Structuralism | Analyses consciousness, breaking it into elemental structures. |
| Behaviourism | Observes behaviour, ignoring internal mental state analysis. |
| Cognitivism | Emphasises internal mental processes, beyond observable behaviour. |
| Humanism | Focuses on individual potential, emphasising personal growth. |
| Gestalt Psychology | Studies the mind’s holistic processing of patterns. |
| Feminism | Explores systemic sexist discrimination and gender dynamics, advocating for women’s equality. |
| Indigenous Psychology | Centres on Indigenous rights, traditions, and practices in understanding psychological processes. |
| Racial Theory and Identity | Explores systemic racial discrimination and race’s impact on identity and experiences. |
| Multicultural Psychology | Explores diverse cultural influences on individual psychology. |
| Cross-Cultural Psychology | Compares psychological phenomena across different cultural contexts. |
