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We begin by looking at what psychology is, how it differs from common sense and the questions it asks about human behaviour. We then explore some of the areas where psychologists have looked for answers to these questions – in the human brain, the unconscious and the environment.

The programme is divided into three self-standing sections:

1: The Biological Perspective

This section explores what is meant by a biological approach and provides illustrative examples of the influence on behaviour of brain structure, brain chemistry and genetics. It concludes by outlining some of the strengths and limitations of biological approaches.

2: The Psychodynamic Approach

This part begins with the work of Freud and the role of unconscious motivation. It illustrates some of the key concepts of psychoanalytic theory, looks at its applications and considers some of its strengths and limitations.

3: The Behaviourist Approach

The final section explains the basis of behaviourism and illustrates classical and operant conditioning. It looks at some of the applications of behaviourism in advertising and everyday life, and examines some of its strengths and limitations. We conclude by bringing the perspectives together in considering the issue of determinism and free will. Maybe understanding the things that determine our behaviour will help liberate us from their effects and we will be freer to live our lives as we choose. And that’s the promise of psychology.