1.1.5—Perspective
- Syllabus
- First assessment 2027
- Objective
- 1.1.5
- Level
- HL
Perspective changes the question we think is important
A psychological perspective is a way of selecting and explaining phenomena, shaped by assumptions about what matters and how it can be studied.
A biological perspective examines mechanisms such as genes, hormones, neurotransmission or brain systems; a cognitive perspective examines processes such as attention, memory, thinking and decision-making; a sociocultural perspective examines how groups, norms, identities and cultural contexts shape behaviour. Each selects different variables and evidence.
To explain persistent stress, a biological account might investigate physiological regulation, a cognitive account appraisal and coping beliefs, and a sociocultural account social support or cultural expectations. Combining compatible evidence can show interacting mechanisms rather than forcing one explanation to replace the others.
Perspective is not personal opinion and no single perspective is sufficient by default. Tie each explanation to its assumptions, mechanism and evidence, compare what it reveals or overlooks, and avoid reducing a whole person to one level of analysis.