Key Assumptions

• Every human is unique

  We should not attempt to generalise to groups of people
• The scientific method is not appropriate

  When applied to the study of people, the humanistic approach points out that all people have thoughts, feelings and expectations, and no one can claim to be objective

  Furthermore, if we are all unique, then there is no value in generalising findings from research to a wider population
• People should be viewed holistically

  Reductionism is pointless when it comes to understanding people. We should view people as whole and recognise behaviour is complex
• Free Will

  We can choose to behave in any way we wish

  Our behaviour is not determined by forces that are beyond our conscious
• Self-Actualisation

  There is an innate drive to achieve our potential

  Not everyone achieves self-actualisation, but deep down, we all want to live our best life