Approaches

Question 1

Give positives of Wundt’s work on introspection

Answer 1

Led to development of useful general laws (e.g HUnter 2003)
Was first to try and apply natural sciences to human behaviour - paving the way for the science of psychology

Question 2

Give weaknesses of Wundt’s work on introspection

Answer 2

Introspection can be highly subjective - memory and perceptions not observable.
Introspection activities often take part in labs and fail to represent real life

Question 3

Give positives of biological approach

Answer 3

Significant contributions in the treatment of mental health (Davis et al Schiz)
Extremely scientific e.g blood tests, CSF, Brain scans etc
Evidence to support e.g phineas gage

Question 4

Give negatives of biological approach

Answer 4

Evidence to suggest that biology can’t be only influential factor (Twin Studies)
Methodological issues ( Teubar)
Much of supporting research is done on animals (evolutionary discontinuity)

Question 5

Outline Teubar

Answer 5

Found younger soldiers with brain damage recovered more than older soldiers (60% U20, 20% over 26). Negative correlation found between age and recovery - suggesting cause and effect cannot be proven

Question 6

Outline Davis et al

Answer 6

Relapse occured in 55% SZ pts whose AP’s replaced with placebo, compared to 19% on AP’s - supports biological explanation

Question 7

Outline Hunter 2003

Answer 7

Used introspection on teenagers, random beeps throughout day and had to report mood. Led to general law that teenagers had higher depression scores - but could be helped by challenging tasks.

Question 8

What is the Behaviourist Approach?

Answer 8

explains behaviour as a result of learning through experience and environmental influences

Question 9

What are the key concepts of the behaviourist approach?

Answer 9

Observational Learning
Classical Conditioning
Operant Conditioning

Question 10

What are strengths of Behaviourism?

Answer 10

Scientific and objective way of studying learning, strong emphasis on empirical and observable evidence
Practical applications of classical conditioning - systematic desensitisation

Question 11

Weaknesses of behaviourism

Answer 11

May oversimplify behaviours by simplifying them down to stimulus response mechanisms
Seligman(1970) suggested that animals are prepared to learn associations that are significant for survival rather than those that are not significant to survival (Differences between species)
Determinist

Question 12

5 Ways to compare approaches

Answer 12

1) Scientific
2)Nature vs Nurture
3) Practical Applications
4) Reductionist vs Hollistic
5) Free will vs Determinism

Question 13

How to write PEEL for comparison

Answer 13

P - State difference
E - Evidence for first approach
E - Evidence for second approach
L - Link back to question

Question 14

What is the social learning theory?

Answer 14

Suggests that people learn through observation

Question 15

What are the key features of the social learning theory?

Answer 15

Observational Learning (Modeling)
Identification with role models
Vicarious Reinforcement
Mediational Processes (ARRM)
Self-Efficacy (Self Motivation)

Question 16

Positives for SLT

Answer 16

Can be used to explain cultural differences
Can be supported by Bandura - Children who observed aggressive behaviour were more likely to repeat aggressive behaviour against bobo doll

Question 17

Negatives for SLT

Answer 17

Underestimates role of biological influences, e.g banduras work does not take into account existence of testosterone levels, making aggressive behaviour more likely
Causality problems - e.g Siegel and McCormick(2006) suggested that young people who possess deviant attitudes would seek out peers with similar attitudes and behaviours

Question 18

Outline the humanistic approach

Answer 18

Humanistic approach emphasizes the individual’s unique experiences and potential for growth, highlighting free will and the capacity for self-actualization

Question 19

Key features of humanism

Answer 19

Free will
Self actualisation
Maslow’s hierarchy of needs
Hollistic view

Question 20

What are the levels to maslows hierarchy of needs?

Answer 20

Self actualisation (Problem solving, Morality)
Esteem (Confidence, self esteem, respect from others)
Love/Belonging (Friendship,family)
Safety (House, money etc)
Physiological (water, breathing etc)

Question 21

Positives of Humanism

Answer 21

Holistic perspective (Considers whole person)
Focus on free will (encourages responsibility)
High ecological validity

Question 22

Negatives of humanism

Answer 22

Unscientific and lacks objectivity
Hard to generalise findings
Overly optmistic view of human nature

Question 23

Outline the biological approach

Answer 23

The biological approach explains behaviour by focusing on biological factors like genes, hormones, and brain structures

Question 24

Key features of biological approach

Answer 24

Biological Determinism - all behaviour has a biological cause
Genotype - Individual’s genetic makeup
Phenotype - Interaction between genetic makeup and environment
NT’s and Hormones

Question 25

Strengths of biological approach

Answer 25

Scientific Practical Applications e.g drug treatments Research to support e.g twin studies

Question 26

Weaknesses of biological approach

Answer 26

Determinism and the ethical concerns with it (alibi) Reductionism other influencing factors

Question 27

Outline the psychodynamic approach in psychology

Answer 27

The psychodynamic approach emphasizes the role of unconscious mental processes, early childhood experiences, and internal conflicts in shaping behaviour and personality

Question 28

Key features of psychodynamic approach

Answer 28

Unconscious mind (Ego, ID, Superego) Early Childhood Experiences Internal conflicts Defense Mechanisms Psychosexual Stages of Development

Question 29

What are the psychosexual stages of development

Answer 29

1. Oral Stage (0-18 months): The mouth is the primary source of pleasure (e.g., sucking, biting) 2. Anal Stage (18 months-3 years): Focus shifts to bowel and bladder control, leading to conflicts around toilet training and independence. 3. Phallic Stage (3-6 years): Genitals become the focus, and children experience the Oedipus (boys) or Electra (girls) complex. 4. Latency Stage (6 years-puberty): Sexual interests are suppressed, and children focus on developing social skills and relationships. 5. Genital Stage (puberty onwards): Sexual interests resurface, and individuals develop mature sexual relationship

Question 30

Strengths of Psychosexual Stages of Development

Answer 30

Case Study evidence to support (Little Hans fear of horses was a result of his oedipus complex) Williams 1994 found evidence to support repression - adults can forget child sexual abuse Freud HIghlighted widely accepted link between childhood experience and adult behaviour

Question 31

Weaknesses of psychosexual stages of development

Answer 31

Observer bias in Freud's case studies Unscientific Non falsifiable/subjective interpretations

Question 33

How does Harter et al Support the existence of Conditions of worth (Humanism)

Answer 33

Found that students would create false behaviours in order to fulfill certain perceived desirable characteristics in order to gain approval - frequently ending up not liking themselves if they don’t.