The five major perspectives of modern psychology are important to understand because they are central to other key concepts and
theories throughout the course. For example, you will learn about them again in our discussion about personality and psychological
disorders. For this assignment, using the Psychological Perspectives Comparison template
, fill in the table to identify the key people and main ideas, as well as what you find compelling and what you don’t about each of the
five major perspectives in psychology.
Your chart should:
● Include at least 2 bullet points in each box
● Bullet points do not have to be in complete sentences (but should have enough explanation for each point to be clear and
understandable)
● Should be in your own words (don’t just copy/paste from the book or a website – break down the ideas in your own words
to explain what these perspectives are all about)
● Should include a list of references used in APA format following the template (this list should include at minimum
your lessons and your textbook).
● In-text citations are not required (remember, this will be in your own words so don’t copy/paste)
● Be informed by content from your readings, lessons, and research this week
Psychological Perspectives Comparison
Key Main Ideas Strengths Weaknesses
People/Theorists
Cognitive Perspective -Aaron Beck 1. Focuses on the way 1. Methods of research 1. Focuses solely on
that are highly controlled mental processes.
-Donald people process things.
and rigorous
Meichenbaum 2. Refers to processes
2. Perception 2. Relies on that are not visible to
-Albert Ellis
3. Attention the naked eye.
experiments
4. Language 3. Ignores other
3. Very dominant
factors
4. Memory and Thinking
4. Many practical
towards behavior
theories throughout the course. For example, you will learn about them again in our discussion about personality and psychological
disorders. For this assignment, using the Psychological Perspectives Comparison template
, fill in the table to identify the key people and main ideas, as well as what you find compelling and what you don’t about each of the
five major perspectives in psychology.
Your chart should:
● Include at least 2 bullet points in each box
● Bullet points do not have to be in complete sentences (but should have enough explanation for each point to be clear and
understandable)
● Should be in your own words (don’t just copy/paste from the book or a website – break down the ideas in your own words
to explain what these perspectives are all about)
● Should include a list of references used in APA format following the template (this list should include at minimum
your lessons and your textbook).
● In-text citations are not required (remember, this will be in your own words so don’t copy/paste)
● Be informed by content from your readings, lessons, and research this week
Psychological Perspectives Comparison
Key Main Ideas Strengths Weaknesses
People/Theorists
Cognitive Perspective -Aaron Beck 1. Focuses on the way 1. Methods of research 1. Focuses solely on
that are highly controlled mental processes.
-Donald people process things.
and rigorous
Meichenbaum 2. Refers to processes
2. Perception 2. Relies on that are not visible to
-Albert Ellis
3. Attention the naked eye.
experiments
4. Language 3. Ignores other
3. Very dominant
factors
4. Memory and Thinking
4. Many practical
towards behavior
