PSYC 110 Week 1 Assignment

Name

Chamberlain University

PSYC-110: Psychology

Prof. Name

Date

PSYC 110 Week 1 Assignment

In my first week of assignments, I explored five significant perspectives in psychology that are frequently applied in daily life: the psychoanalytic/psychodynamic, behavioral, humanistic, cognitive, and neuroscientific/biopsychological perspectives (Chamberlain, 2019). Each perspective offers a distinct lens for understanding the motivations behind human behavior.

On a different note, in 2020, the Duke and Duchess of Sussex announced via their official Instagram account that they would be stepping back from their roles as “senior” royals, intending to divide their time between the UK and North America (Bruner & McCuskey, 2020).

Overview

According to a post by the Duke and Duchess of Sussex, they have chosen to transition away from their roles as senior members of the Royal Family to establish a new, progressive role within the institution while achieving financial independence. Their plan includes spending time in both Britain and North America while continuing to support the Queen (Bruner & McCuskey, 2020, p. 1). The primary motivation behind this decision is to seek greater privacy. However, some people speculate that the Duchess of Sussex may be creating tension between the Duke and his family (Daniels, 2020, p. 1).

PSYC 110 Week 1 Assignment

Behavioral Perspective

Two psychological perspectives relevant to analyzing the Sussexes’ decision to step back from the royal family are the behavioral and cognitive approaches. Behavioral psychologists argue that an individual’s behavior is influenced by external environmental factors and can be conditioned. From this viewpoint, a behavioral psychologist might suggest that the Sussexes are not swayed by media or public opinion, and their choice to separate from the royal family stems solely from their internal motivations. Conversely, cognitive psychologists would examine the mental processes involved in their decision-making, looking at the thought patterns and cognitive biases that may have shaped their choices.

PSYC 110 Week 1 Assignment

Cognitive Perspective

In contrast to behavioral psychologists, cognitive psychologists emphasize how an individual’s thoughts, feelings, and expectations influence their behavior. Since Princess Meghan Markle did not grow up in a royal environment, her expectations regarding privacy and her children’s upbringing may differ significantly. A cognitive psychologist might argue that her choice to distance herself from the royal family is driven by a desire to provide her family with greater privacy and autonomy.

Conclusion

In summary, the Duke and Duchess of Sussex have decided to step back from their positions as senior members of the Royal Family and to share their time between Britain and North America. While some criticize the Duchess for purportedly distancing her husband from his family, others recognize that this is ultimately their personal choice. Behavioral psychologists might suggest that external factors and conditioning play a role in their decision, whereas cognitive psychologists could highlight the Duchess’s upbringing and expectations as key influences in her quest for privacy and independence.

References

Bruner, R., & McCuskey, M. (2020, January 13). Prince Harry, Meghan Markle Step Down: Everything We Know. Retrieved from https://time.com/5761547/prince-harry-meghan-markle-step-back-senior-royals/.

Chamberlain University. (2019). Lesson 1. Retrieved from https://chamberlain.instructure.com/courses/55959/pages/week-1-lesson-introduction-research-and-biological-foundations?module_item_id=7259100.