Psychology Case

In this essay I will compare and contrast three of the ten perspectives of early psychology. The three perspectives that will be mentioned are Functionalism, Behaviorism and Cognition. They have to do with psychology are comparable because they all deal with some part of behavior is some instance. They will also help us understand how we develop our pattern of thinking and understanding.

First, the perspective of functionalism is the theory that all mental process is needed to a person in adjusting to outside forces[1] (WordNet 2006). Functionalism came out a result of Darwin's theory of evolution. Functionalism focuses on the examination of the function and purpose of mind and behavior[2] (Millis, 2004). This means that our early behavior evolved from outside influences. American Psychologist William James (1842-1910) clears it up more when he said that "Consciousness is an ever changing stream or flow of sensations"[3] (2006). These theories of functionalism concentrates on past experiences are related to behavior. William James emphasizes that past experiences allows people to function better in our environment. This idea highlights the uses and functions of the mind rather than experience[4] (Garvey, 1999).

Second, the perspective of Behaviorism is the idea that psychology is basically a study of external human behavior rather than mental[5] (The American Heritage 2005). Behaviorism deals with the way in which we behave in different environments. People pick up their traits from their interactions and experiences. Also Behavior that is followed by rewarding out comes will be more likely to be repeated than behavior that is followed by unsatisfying consequences[6] (Pavlov, 2006). The use of early Behavior Modification is used to teach children proper behavior based on this theory[7]. The benefits of using early behavior modification using basic rewards are increased self-esteem, a sense of self-reliance, pride, and things that can enhance a person's character[8]. Using behavior modification can have positive and negative affects. If correctly done behavior modification can give the child, self-esteem.

Third, the perspective of cognition deals with the actual methods of studying and that relies on the experiences that studies internal mental processes, such as creativity, perception, thinking, problem solving, memory, and language. This area of study applies to how people deal and solve problems,