In this course, you have learned about different perspectives in psychology and how perspectives might
vary for psychologists from different disciplines. For example, if you are examining why someone forgot
his mother's name, someone from the psychoanalytic perspective might say it was because he had
unresolved anger toward his mother. Someone from the behavioral perspective might say it was because
he never received positive reinforcement for saying her name, but instead was punished if he said it.
For each case study below, provide an explanation from the viewpoint of the following five perspectives to explain or
describe the behaviors:
• Neurobiological
• Humanistic
• Psychodynamic
• Behavioral
• Cognitve
Devote a paragraph to each perspective.
Barry is a 45-year-old computer programmer who has never been married and lives
with his mother. He spends his evenings and weekends either playing Scrabble with his
mother, surfing the Internet or participating in chat rooms. His friend Eddie set him up
on a blind date with a woman from his work. Yet Barry forgot the time and showed up
so late that his date had already left, thinking she’d been stood up. Barry would like to
date her, but is too ashamed to call and apologize for not keeping their date. Until
recently, his work had been going really well, but after he missed an important project
date, the client withdrew the contract offer.
Neurobiological perspective: From a neurobiological perspective, Barry's behavior and forgetfulness could be explained by factors such as brain chemistry, genetics, or brain injury. It is possible that Barry may have an imbalance of chemicals in his brain that affects his memory and ability to manage time effectively. Additionally, there could be a genetic predisposition to forgetfulness or difficulties in attention and focus. It would be beneficial to investigate any potential neurological issues or medical conditions that could contribute to Barry's forgetfulness and poor time management.
Humanistic perspective: From a humanistic perspective, Barry's behavior may stem from a lack of self-actualization and fulfillment in his life. It seems that he relies heavily on his mother for companionship and does not actively seek meaningful interpersonal relationships. It is possible that Barry is avoiding intimate relationships and social interactions due to a fear of rejection or low self-esteem. His withdrawal from pursuing relationships and engaging in activities that may lead to personal growth and self-discovery could be a result of a lack of self-acceptance or a fear of failure.
Psychodynamic perspective: From a psychodynamic perspective, Barry's behavior can be understood through unconscious conflicts and unresolved childhood experiences. The fact that he lives with his mother and spends most of his time with her in recreational activities could suggest a sense of dependence or over-attachment. This closeness to his mother may be indicative of unresolved conflicts from his childhood, such as separation anxiety or attachment issues. Barry's forgetfulness and inability to maintain relationships may be a defense mechanism to protect himself from potential emotional pain or loss.
Behavioral perspective: From a behavioral perspective, Barry's behavior can be attributed to reinforcement and punishment patterns. The fact that he spends his time playing Scrabble with his mother and engaging in online activities suggests that he finds these activities reinforcing and rewarding. On the other hand, he may have experienced punishment or negative consequences when venturing out into the dating world or pursuing other activities. This can result in avoidance behavior, as Barry is more likely to engage in activities that have provided positive reinforcement in the past.
Cognitive perspective: From a cognitive perspective, Barry's behavior can be explained by faulty thinking patterns or cognitive biases. It is possible that Barry has cognitive distortions, such as low self-worth or negative beliefs about dating and relationships. These distortions may lead him to avoid social situations and interactions, including making apologies and taking responsibility for his actions. Additionally, Barry's forgetfulness could be a result of cognitive factors such as poor attention or difficulty in organizing and prioritizing tasks.
Overall, these different perspectives provide unique insights into understanding Barry's behavior. It is important to consider multiple perspectives to gain a comprehensive understanding of the various factors that may contribute to his actions and choices.