Human Psychology

Perspectives in Human Psychology

Human behavior and emotions can be studied from a variety of unique perspectives. Many psychologists study behavior and emotions using the perspective or subdiscipline that was the most influential during their educational careers. Among the most well known subdisciplines of psychology are social psychology, abnormal psychology, cognitive psychology, and developmental psychology. These subdisciplines each involve a different approach to the study of the mind, emotion, and human behavior. Two of these subdisciplines, cognitive psychology and developmental psychology, are discussed below, along with popular applications associated with each of these subdisciplines.

Cognitive Psychology

This subdiscipline focuses on the way in which humans think, remember information, and solve problems. Unlike many other subdisciplines of psychology, cognitive psychology employs scientific methodology and investigation. Rather than focusing on behaviors that can be observed with the naked eye, cognitive psychologists study internal mental processes through formal research. One of the most influential cognitive psychologists was Ulric Neisser, from whom the term cognitive psychology originated. Neisser authored a book called Cognitive Psychology, in which people are described as “dynamic information-processing systems.” Research is often conducted in laboratories using current model equipment and testing devices.

Developmental Psychology

This subdiscipline of psychology explores the processes involved with the growth and maturation of the brain, the emotions, and associated behaviors. In particular, this subdiscipline focuses on the development of learning processes and interpersonal relationships among children and adolescents. Developmental psychologists examine the effect that specific initiatives such as preschool programs and daycare have on the academic progress of children. One of the most prominent developmental psychologists of the twentieth century is Jean Piaget, who spent much of his life watching and analyzing the behavior of children. He was well known for his theory that children progress through four stages of cognitive development before being able to think abstractly. Piaget’s research impacted the field of education and resulted in a more “child-centered” approach to teaching.

Applied Psychology

Both cognitive psychology and developmental psychology have a host of applications within educational settings. As educators strive to improve the quality of learning processes, there is a constant need to better understand the way that our brains perceive and process information. This focus on constant improvement of our educational system creates an important niche for cognitive psychologists. The services of developmental psychologists are also valuable to educators, as they offer findings pertaining to the maturation of the brain during childhood. Their insight and findings regarding preschool and daycare have profound implications on the early childhood education system, and they can offer key recommendations.