EPITHOP

Biological-Evolutionary
This paradigm is based on the thinking/work of Darwin
Central assumptions of the Biological-Evolutionary Paradigm include:
o Evolutionary Theory (random changes from simple to increasingly complex organisms, species mutations creating new species, all life began somehow from non-life materials, all current species of life produced from single first random life form)
o Long-Term shaping of human psychology (personality, gender differences, etc.) through Natural Selection Processes
o Human psychology biologically based and controlled
o Very limited or no human free will

Biological-Genetic
Psychological paradigm that is based on genetic research
Central assumptions of the Biological-Genetic Paradigm include:
o Human psychology biologically based and controlled
o Presently no cure for psychological disorders, only reduction of symptoms through drugs or surgery
o Psychological disorders are the result of damage, mutations, and/or abnormality in the genes
o Potential future prevention and cure for psychological disorders through gene manipulation
o Some influence on genetic control and thus psychological conditions depending on various environmental conditions
o Very limited or no human free will

Biological-Neuroscience (and Psychopharmacology)
Focuses on the impact of the brain/nervous system on normal and abnormal psychological states
Central assumptions of the Biological-Neuroscience Paradigm include:
o Human psychology biologically based and controlled
o Presently no cure for psychological disorders, only reduction of symptoms through drugs or surgery
o Psychological disorders are the result of malfunctions in the biochemistry of the brain and nervous system
o Very limited human free will