In psychology there are many different approaches. An approach is a perspective that involves certain beliefs about human behaviour. Such as the way they function, which features of them are worthy of study and what research methods are suitable for undertaking the study. Within an approach, there will be several different theories which share common assumptions.
Each perspective has its strengths and weaknesses and has something different to our understanding of human behaviour.
There are six perspectives in psychology, which are: Behaviourism Social learning Psychodynamic Humanistic Cognitive Biological
The biological approach
The biological approach examines thoughts, feelings, and behaviours from a biological and physical point of view.
Arnold Gesell (18808-1961) believed that development occurred to a sequences of maturational processes. For example, development in the womb follows a fixed set of stages: the heart begins to form first, along with a rudimentary nervous system. Bones and muscles develop next and over time the organism developed into a fully functioning human being, ready to be born. Through Gesell’s observations and research, Gesell concluded that children go through predictable stages of growth. Gesell’s theory form the basis for just about every other developmental theory. Gesell believed that child development occurs according to a predetermined, naturally unfolding plan of growth.
Gesell created a spiral-like pattern to describe how children develop. The cycles describe six stages occurring at half-year intervals, which last longer as a child grows. For example, younger children move through cycle far more rapidly than older children. Gesell identified six stages of growth: Smooth Break-up Sorting-out Inwardsing Expansion Fitting together
Maturational theory
The maturational theory