There are five major perspectives of psychology used to explain a human behavior and mental processes. These five perspectives that I am referring to are Neuroscience, Psychodynamic, Behavioral, Cognitive and Humanistic

The instruction that I have in my class is to select two of the perspectives above; I choose the behavioral and the cognitive perspective. Then the assignment instructed me to explain how culture, ethnicity, and race may influence ones behavior connected with these two perspectives that I choose which are the behavioral and the cognitive perspectives.

Can someone please explain to me pacifically how a behavioral and cognitive perspective influences one's culture, ethnicity, and race?

I am not sure if I chose the the right two perspectives. Did I choose the right two psychological perspective out of the five major perspective that explains how culture, ethnicity, and race may influence ones behavior?

These sites explain these two perspectives.

http://www.purgatory.net/merits/cognitive.htm

http://psychology.about.com/od/psychology101/a/perspectives.htm

You chose the right two perspectives. Think about specific behaviors. Smoking and promiscuity are accepted in some groups and shunned in others. Choosing a mate is done by individuals in some cultures, while mates are chosen by parents in other cultures. Consider the treatment of women in some cultures.

Thank you for making this question much clearer for me to understand.

You're welcome.

Yes, you have chosen two relevant perspectives, behavioral and cognitive, to explore how culture, ethnicity, and race can influence human behavior.

1. Behavioral perspective: This perspective focuses on how our behavior is shaped by our environment, particularly through learning experiences and reinforcement. Culture, ethnicity, and race play a significant role in shaping our environment and the experiences we encounter. For example, cultural norms and social expectations can shape the behaviors that are reinforced or punished within a specific community. This can influence the way individuals from different cultures and ethnicities behave, as they may adopt behaviors that align with their cultural values or expectations.

To analyze how behavioral perspective interacts with culture, ethnicity, and race, you can explore how specific behaviors are learned and reinforced within different cultural contexts. Additionally, examining how cultural norms influence the consequences and expectations associated with certain behaviors can provide insight into the behavioral differences observed across various cultures, ethnicities, and races.

2. Cognitive perspective: This perspective focuses on how our thoughts, beliefs, and mental processes influence our behavior. Culture, ethnicity, and race can significantly impact our cognition by shaping our beliefs, values, and attitudes. These cognitive constructs, in turn, influence our behavior. For example, cultural beliefs about gender roles may influence one's behaviors and opportunities, such as in career choices or family roles. Similarly, racial stereotypes can shape individuals' beliefs about their own abilities and potential, which can impact their behavior and choices.

To explore the cognitive aspect of culture, ethnicity, and race, you can examine how cultural values, norms, and stereotypes influence an individual's thought processes and cognitive operations. Consider how cultural beliefs and racial biases might shape individuals' perceptions, interpretations, and decision-making. Investigating the cognitive processes influenced by culture, ethnicity, and race will help you understand how they can influence behavior.

In summary, the behavioral and cognitive perspectives can provide valuable insights into understanding how culture, ethnicity, and race influence human behavior. By examining how behaviors are learned and reinforced within different cultural contexts (behavioral perspective), as well as how beliefs, values, and stereotypes shape cognition and decision-making (cognitive perspective), you can develop a comprehensive understanding of the complex interplay between these factors.