Personality theories try to explain why people are the way they are; development theories look at how children become adults. It is theorized that mental illness is a result of painful childhood experiences. Psychologists wonder and explore what types of childhood experiences have the most impact on people, and at what age does it actually make a difference. .
Hypotheses that Psychologists present are predictions about what is expected to happen if a theory is true. If it is believed that a person's childhood has a major impact on adult life, for example, it might be expected an abused child may have some problems when they grow up. The human mind is amazingly intricate, no single perspective, whether biological, behavioral or emotional can tell the whole story. .
Since the advent of William Wundt's first psychological laboratory in Germany, seven basic perspectives have emerged to be the most prevalent today. First is, Biological, followers of this theory look to the body to explain the mind. Influences of hormones, genes, brain, and central nervous system that affect the way we feel think, feel, and act. Second, Psychodynamic, focuses on heredity, early experiences, unconscious drive and conflicts, and is influenced or motivated by inner forces. Third, the Behaviorist is primarily focused on behavior and its relationship to environmental stimulus and responses. Fourth, Humanistic, here the focus is on human experience and potential, life patterns, values and goals. Fifth, Cognitive, stresses human thought. The processes of knowing, attending, thinking, remembering, solving problems, fantasizing and understanding. Sixth, Evolutionary, focus on the environment and conditions in which the human brain evolved. Seventh, Cultural, this theory addresses cross-cultural differences in the causes and consequences of behavior. Each of these perspectives used by Psychologists have contributed important insights into the how and why of human nature.