Biological, Psychodynamic, Behavioral and Cognitive Approach to Psychology Essays

Biological, Psychodynamic, Behavioral and Cognitive Approach to Psychology Essays Biological, Psychodynamic, Behavioral and Cognitive Approach to Psychology Essay Biological, Psychodynamic, Behavioral and Cognitive Approach to Psychology Essay Excuse or Explanation? When the news report flashes across the television informing millions around the world of the murder of a family of six, it is obvious that the initiate reaction of the civilians would be terror and hatred. This hatred, a fierce, in-tolerant force behind these people that would instantly choose the worst for whomever the suspect may be. Often, this is the reaction of the people whereas there are a few of those individuals who may decide to view this case differently. These would be psychologists. A psychologist may approach this story with a view inside of the perpetrators mind. Was he biologically, psychodynamicly, behaviorally or cognitively provoked to do such a thing? What would make someone do something horrible and violent like that? Each of the psychologists views provide different aspects and alternate explanations for why this offenders actions occurred, sometimes even explanations to the point of understanding the mind of a criminal. A biological psychologist specifically focuses on the genetics and physiological side of the story. Biology itself refers to the make-up of each individual person, most of the time stemming off from his or her parents, grand-parents or even great-grand-parents. How did they act? What did they do? And why did they do it? It could be in their genes, the way that things are put together inside each individuals mind that illustrates the reason for their actions. Is it possible that one’s genes were made up to be completely violent? Could one’s father or mother be more responsible for the deaths of these six people than the murderer themselves? A biological psychologist would more than likely answer this question with a definite â€Å"yes†. A biological point of view examines all thoughts, feelings and behaviors as a product of the chemistry of our brains. A statement might also be that we become ill whether medically or psychologically due to our genetics. This, might bring the biological psychologists conclusion to be that this murder was committed because this culprits father did the same thing, and therefore, it was genetically passed on to his children. The next psychologist, one of whom studies the psychodynamic approach, may say that this was an unconscious deviant behavior that was sought out without intention. Psychodynamicly speaking, one might say that this murder was not something that this person would â€Å"normally† do. Psychodynamics focuses on the underlying parts of the human mind. Repressed incidents or hidden information can often form unwilling urges to come forth into daily actions. For instance, if this murder was completely relaxed and asked to express the thoughts that go through his mind, the psychologist may see the terror that has been concealed for so long. Following, the study of this individual, a psychodynamic psychologist could eventually be able to come to the conclusion that the unconscious painful memories of this murderer was what killed these people, not the offender himself. Another viewpoint would be seeing things from a behavioral approach. Behavioral meaning a controllable aspect of each individuals life, that can be altered and tweaked until it is near perfect. Take for instance a two year old child. From the day it was born to the time of it’s death, behaviors are taken in from lessons taught to them by those all around. If this child is taught that hitting, screaming and crying are something that gives them attention and provides them with care, this will be what will suffice all of their lives. If one is taught that patience, calmness and quiet is what provides them with love and comfort, this perhaps will be what will project throughout their lives. A behavioral psychologist will say that this murder took place because it is what the murderer was taught to do and what he learned. This psychologist will not focus on what they think or feel, it is simply based on what they do. A behavioral psychologists may even say that this killer could be taught to do differently and that killing is not acceptable. We also have the cognitive psychologists approach. By definition, cognitive means knowing. Therefore, cognitive psychologists try to figure out what is going on in an individuals mind that may lead them to their behavior. Sometimes, scientific equipment is used in order to fully understand the reactions and thoughts that are going on in a person’s mind. Here, a cognitive psychologist may look at this murderer and view his actions as a chemical reaction that went wrong in his or her brain. Also they may see this perpetrators actions as something he or she took in and had to release and the way he or she released it was through the violent act of murder. For example, this suspect may have been harassed and threatened himself and in order to release the fear, he or she committed a terrible crime. Cognitive psychology is completely interested in what people think and from that point, what they choose to or not to do. Being only a few views of psychology there seems to be many explanations for what people do. The reasons they abuse their children or loved ones, why they are alcoholics or in this case why they committed a murder. Often times, in a scenario like this, the psychological views may come across as some sort of excuse to get by a punishment for actions. However, all psychology is able to say, with experiments and procedures previously carried out that there is plenty of back up and explanation of the validity and reliability of their study. Whether it be biological, psychodynamic, behavioral or cognitive approach, psychology will always have a answer.