Today, the field of psychology involves five major perspectives.
The neuroscience perspective considers how people and nonhumans function biologically.
Proponents of the psychodynamic perspective believe that behavior is motivated by inner forces and conflicts about which we have little awareness or control.
The behavioral perspective grew out of a rejection of psychology's early emphasis on the inner workings of the mind, suggesting instead that the field should focus on observable behavior.
The cognitive perspective focuses on how people think, understand, and know about the world.
The humanistic perspective suggests that all individuals naturally strive to grow, develop, and be in control of their lives and behavior.
