Final answer:
Modern psychology recognizes both internal factors like genetics and brain physiology, as well as external factors such as the environment and social norms, in shaping behavior. Biological determinism and behaviorism represent two such contrasting perspectives. Current approaches aim to integrate both to explain the complexities of human behavior.
Step-by-step explanation:
Internal and External Forces Influencing Human Behavior
Different modern psychological approaches highlight the complex interplay between internal biological mechanisms and external environmental factors in shaping human behavior. Biological determinism posits that genetics and physiological processes largely dictate personality traits and behavior patterns. Advocates of this view argue that genetic predispositions and brain physiology are at the heart of individual differences. On the other hand, the behaviorist perspective prioritizes the role of external stimuli and conditioning in explaining behavior. According to behaviorists, our actions and personalities are the results of interactions with our environment, where rewards and punishments shape our behaviors.
Moreover, the behavioral perspective challenges the notion of biological determinism by asserting that personality traits are not inborn but rather formed through learning experiences. B. F. Skinner, a prominent behaviorist, championed the idea that the environment solely molds behavior. Contrastingly, theories like evolutionary psychology and sociobiology also explain behavior through physical terms, asserting that all actions, including those self-sacrificial, are directed towards genetic continuation.
The field of social psychology provides additional insight by emphasizing situational influences, such as cultural norms and social roles, in determining behavior. Individuals are often seen as using social cues to guide their actions in different settings. Acknowledging these forces, modern approaches consider both individual personality traits and situational contexts to provide a more comprehensive understanding of human behavior.