Behaviorism – Focuses on observable behaviors and their relationship to stimuli. It suggests that all behavior is learned and can be unlearned or changed through reinforcement.
Cognitive Psychology – Investigates mental processes such as perception, memory, problem-solving, and decision-making. This school of thought emphasizes how people process information.
Psychoanalysis – Founded by Freud, it focuses on the unconscious mind, childhood experiences, and inner conflicts. It's a theory that aims to explain how past experiences influence our present behaviors and emotions.
Humanistic Psychology – Emphasizes personal growth, self-actualization, and the inherent goodness in people. Think of Carl Rogers and Abraham Maslow—self-esteem and the need for personal fulfillment are key here.
Social Psychology – Explores how people's thoughts, feelings, and behaviors are influenced by others. This includes things like group dynamics, conformity, and how we form attitudes.
Evolutionary Psychology – Suggests that many psychological traits are evolved adaptations, shaped by natural selection over time.