Approaches

Question 1

Why was Wundt so important

Answer 1

He was the first scientist to open a laboratory purely for psychological research in Leipzig 1879

Question 2

How did Wundt investigate the human mind

What is this

Answer 2

Introspection

‘Looking into’ - where people were asked to reflect on their own cognitive processes and describe them and trying to break up conscious awareness into basic structures of thoughts, images and sensations

Question 3

What is the problem with introspection

Answer 3

Non-observable= relied on participants reports being accurate
Subjective= open to interpretation

Question 4

Some of Wundt’s methods have been praised for being scientific, what made his experiments this

What did this mean

Answer 4

All his experiments were recorded in strict conditions using the same stimulus

Used the same standardised instructions for all participants

His procedures could be replicated

Question 5

Define psychology

Answer 5

The scientific study of the human mind and its functions, especially those functions that affect behaviour

Question 6

Define classical conditioning

Answer 6

Learning through association

Question 7

Describe Ivan Pavlovs work

Answer 7

Classical conditioning:
Dogs can be conditioned to salivate at the sound of a bell
Gradually pavlovs dogs began to associate the sound of a bell with the food which would cause them to salivate
The dogs learnt to associate the food ( unconditioned stimulus) with the bell (conditioned stimulus) and would salivate ( conditioned response)

Question 8

Describe Watson and Rayners work (1920)

Answer 8

Classical conditioning:
Conditioned a fear response in a baby
Every time ‘little Albert’ made contact with the white rat, the researcher would make a loud bang which would make the child cry
After doing this repeatedly, the child began to fear the rat because it associated it with the loud bang
Rat=fear

Question 9

Name the four key principles of classical conditioning

Answer 9

Extinction
Spontaneous recovery
Generalisation
Discrimination

Question 10

Describe the process of systematic desensitisation

Answer 10

The patient is taught to monitor their own anxiety levels- they learn to associate something positive/ relaxing with the object that gives them anxiety

A hierarchy of fear must be introduced, and by progressive exposure they become gradually more and more exposed to the threat

Question 11

Define operant conditioning

Answer 11

Learning through reinforcement/ consequences

Question 12

Describe Skinners work

Answer 12

Operant conditioning & skinners box:
The rat learned that if it was to press a specific lever it would be rewarded with food (positive reinforcement)
They were also conditioned to press a lever to get rid of an unpleasant stimulus i.e electric shock

Question 13

What was an advantage of skinners box

Answer 13

The researcher (skinner) had complete control over the box and what the animal experienced

Question 14

What are the three types of reinforcement

Answer 14

Positive= Recieving a reward
Negative= avoiding something unpleasant 
Punishment= an unpleasant consequence

Question 15

What is the purpose of

P+N reinforcement

Answer 15

Both strengthen a certain behaviour ( increase likelihood of being repeated)

Question 16

Evaluate the behaviourist approach research methods

Answer 16

✅high control and replication
✅objective
❌artificial

Question 17

Briefly state the three evaluation points for Behaviourism

Answer 17

✅practical application
❌reductionist
❌use of animals

Question 18

Behaviourist approach AO3

-practical application to real life

Answer 18

Classical conditioning has been used to treat phobias through systematic desensitisation. (Associate fear with a relaxation)

THEREFORE a strength of BHV is that it contributes to helping people

Question 19

Behaviourist approach AO3

- use of animals

Answer 19

Animal behaviour is FAR different from human behaviour for example animals have different internal mental processes to humans and different orders of priorities/ communication/ language

THEREFORE a limitation of bhv is that we cannot generalise animals to humans

Question 20

Behaviourist approach AO3

-reductionist

Answer 20

Reduces all behaviour down to the environment, ignoring roles of hormones and genes on our behaviour. Different to biological approach which is reductionist in the sense that it reduces all behaviour down to genetics and ignores the role of the environment

THEREFORE a limitation of bhv is that it has a rather limited view of human behaviour as it fails to consider the roles of different factors on our bhv

Question 21

Define:
Imitation
Modelling as the observer
Modelling as the role model

Answer 21

Copying behaviour of others
Imitating the behaviour of the role model
The demonstration of a specific behaviour thar may be imitated by an observer

Question 22

Define mediational processes

Answer 22

Cognitive factors that influence learning that come between a stimulus and a response

Question 23

What are the four mediational processes

Answer 23

Attention= the extent to which we notice certain bhv
Retention= how well behaviour is remembered 
Reproduction= the ability to perform the bhv
Motivation= the will to perform the bhv

Question 24

Define identification

Answer 24

When an observer associate themselves with a role model and wants to be like the role model

Question 25

Who is likely to be a role model

Answer 25

Someone of the same gender, the same age or older, powerful or of high status or friendly or likeable

Question 26

Define vicarious reinforcement

Answer 26

Reinforcement which is not directly experienced but occurs through observing someone else being reinforced for a behaviour

Question 27

Describe the work of Bandura in 1960

Answer 27

Bobo doll aggression: LAB EXP. Children (3-5yr) were taken into a room filled with toys and a bobo doll, half were shown a adult playing with the doll and being highly aggressive, the other were shown a non-aggressive adult. The children imitated the behaviour of each adult, eg one group being aggressive and the other not - the children imitated behaviour of the role model ( identification)

Question 28

Describe the work of bandura in 1963

Answer 28

The same experiment was repeated but this time the adult was either, 1) positively reinforced 2) negatively reinforced 3) punished, when the children were shown the adult being punished they were less likely to be aggressive ( vicarious punishment ). When the adult was rewarded the children showed more aggressive behaviour.

Question 29

Evaluate the research methods of SLT

Answer 29

✅highly controlled ✅objective ❌demand characteristics ❌artificial

Question 30

Briefly state the three evaluation points for SLT

Answer 30

✅practical application: media violence ✅cultural differences ❌reductionist

Question 31

Social Learning Theory AO3 | -practical application

Answer 31

Used to highlight the effect that media violence has on children’s behaviour, children likely to mimic behaviour that they have seen in the media, e.g. murder of James Bulger> two boys taken inspiration from violent film THEREFORE a strength is that it is useful for explaining human bhv

Question 32

Social Learning Theory AO3 | -cultural differences

Answer 32

Children learn from those around them as well as from the media, can explain how cultural norms are transmitted through particular societies, e.g gender behaviour varies from culture to culture could be explained through the different behaviour that is vicariously reinforced THEREFORE a strength of SLT is that it has good explanatory power

Question 33

Social Learning Theory AO3 | -reductionist

Answer 33

Reduces all behaviour down to the influence of those around us, ignores influence of biological factors , e.g bandura= higher testosterone levels can cause mor aggressive- SLT fails to take this into account, similar to BHV approach. THEREFORE a limitation of SLT is that it fails to consider the role of biology

Question 34

Define internal mental processes

Answer 34

Private actions/ processes of the mind such as perception and attention that mediate stimulus and response

Question 35

How are internal mental processes studied What are these

Answer 35

By drawing inferences Drawing a conclusion about the way mental processes work by making assumptions based on observable behaviour

Question 36

# Define theoretical models Give an example

Answer 36

Where models are simplified using pictorial representations of a particular mental process based on current research evidence The multi store model (memory)

Question 37

Describe computer models

Answer 37

Using computer analogies as a way of representing human cognition

Question 38

What do computer models use the concepts of

Answer 38

A processing unit= the brain Concept of coding= turn information into a useable format Use of stores to hold information

Question 39

What are a disadvantage of computer models

Answer 39

Computers do not take into account the role of human emotion and the influence it has on our ability to make decisions etc

Question 40

Define ‘schema’

Answer 40

Packages of information and ideas that are developed through experience, they act as a mental framework for the interpretation of information E.g. in a restaurant

Question 41

Name a pro and a con of schema

Answer 41

✅enable us to process info quickly | ❌create false memories that fit in with what we would expect to happen

Question 42

What is cognitive neuroscience

Answer 42

The scientific study of the influence of brain structures on mental processes

Question 43

Name 2 cognitive neuroscientists

Answer 43

Paul Broca Tulving

Question 44

Explain Brocas work

Answer 44

Identified how area to the frontal lobe could permanently impair speech production (Broca’s area) Studied a person with language difficulties, could only say ‘tan’ post more Tom revealed damage to frontal lobe

Question 45

Explain Tulvings work

Answer 45

He injected himself with radioactive gold, he thought about semantic memories or episodic memories whilst in the Machine Revealed that we use different areas of the brain for different thoughts

Question 46

Evaluate cognitive approach research methods

Answer 46

✅objective ✅high controlled ( repeatable ) ❌artificial ❌demand characteristics

Question 47

Briefly state 3 evaluation points of the cognitive approach

Answer 47

✅practical application ✅nature vs nurture ❌reductionist

Question 48

Cognitive approach AO3 | - practical application

Answer 48

Research into the influence of schemas on memory has led to the development of the cognitive interview ( non-directive questioning technique ), improves reliability of eyewitness testimony. Change perspective technique ( someone else’s POV ) THEREFORE this shows the importance of the cog approach in its usefulness in helping police

Question 49

Cognitive approach AO3 | -reductionist

Answer 49

Sees human behaviour like a machine, comparing humans to computers has been criticised as it ignores the influence of human emotion and motivation and how this may affect our ability to process information. Eg anxiety can affect memory if its about a traumatic event. THEREFORE it is machine reductionist

Question 50

Cognitive approach AO3 | - nature vs nurture

Answer 50

It takes the middle ground in the nature vs nurture debate, cognitive approach states that whilst we are born with these innate mental processes they can be shaped and developed by our experiences in life. Unlike BHV- blank slate, learn from environment...... THEREFORE cog app. Integrates nature and nurture in a better way than other approaches.

Question 51

Describe the influence of biological structures on behaviour

Answer 51

The brain: specific part are responsible for certain actions, e.g. frontal lobe=thoughts and emotion. Neurochemistry:imbalance of neurochemicals/transmitters can lead to types of mental disorder, e.g. low levels of serotonin= depression

Question 52

What do behavioural geneticists study

Answer 52

Whether behavioural characterises such as intelligence/ personality are inherited the same was as physical characteristics

Question 53

What is the purpose of twin studies

Answer 53

To determine the likelihood that certain traits have a genetic basis by comparing concordance rates

Question 54

What is: Monozygotic Dizygotic

Answer 54

``` Monozygotic= twins from one egg/ 100% same DNA Dizygotic= two eggs/ 50% same DNA ```

Question 55

What is the difference between genotype and phenotype

Answer 55

A persons genotype is there genetic makeup whereas the phenotype is the way that these genes are expressed through physical, behavioural and psychological characteristics

Question 56

Define the term evolution

Answer 56

The changes in inherited characteristics in a biological population over successive generations

Question 57

Name an example of evolution and explain it

Answer 57

The rooting reflex - new born babies (present at birth) will turn their head towards anything that touches their cheek, reflex aids feeding and hence survival

Question 58

Name four research methods used by the biological approach

Answer 58

FMRI scans-blood flow EEG scans- electrical impulses Twin studies-concordance rates Drug trials

Question 59

Briefly state the three AO3 points for Biological Approach

Answer 59

✅practical application ❌biological determinism ❌reductionism

Question 60

Biological approach AO3 | -practical application

Answer 60

Assumes neurotransmitters such as serotonin influence our behaviour, this knowledge means that sufferers can manage their condition and live a relatively normal life, e.g. sufferers can take anti-depressants which helps to change serotonin levels THEREFORE is useful in helping to improve the lives of people, thus has good application

Question 61

Biological approach AO3 | -biological determinist

Answer 61

Problem as it sees all behaviour as controlled by internal, biological causes over which we have no control, which has implications for th legal system (criminal gene? Etc...) THEREFORE a limitation is that it ignores the role of free will

Question 62

Biological approach AO3 | -reductionist

Answer 62

It reduces all behaviour down to genetics and hormones and ignores the environment factors (BHV & SLT) THEREFORE could be argued that it is rather limited in its explanation as it does not take unto account other factors eg nurture

Question 63

What does the psychodynamic approach compare our mind to

Answer 63

An iceberg

Question 64

What does our unconscious contain

Answer 64

Biological instincts Drives and desires Childhood memories

Question 65

According to ____ all behaviour is directed and driven by unconscious conflicts and _______, henceforth all behaviour is _____________ and has ________________ _______________ .

Answer 65

Freud Desires Symbolic Underlying meaning

Question 66

Describe and explain the structures of the personality

Answer 66

The id = pleasure principle/instant gratification The superego= the morality principle/guilt The ego=reality principle/ balance and compromise⤴️

Question 67

Who would a ___________ be governed by A) psychopath B)well-adjusted person C) anxious/ neurotic person

Answer 67

A) the id B) The ego C) the super ego ( its guilt)

Question 68

Name the five psychosexual stages of development

Answer 68

``` Oral Anal Phallic Latency Genital ```

Question 69

Explain the Oedipus complex

Answer 69

Freud claimed the boy has sexual desires for his mother and recognises the father as a powerful rival and develops castration anxiety, to resolve the anxiety he gives up his love for his mother and identifies with the father

Question 70

If the Oedipus complex is not resolved, what could happen in the future

Answer 70

Confusion with gender identity

Question 71

Describe the Electra complex

Answer 71

The girl does not have a penis and sees herself and her mother as powerless, the girl fears losing the love of her mother and converts her desire for a penis into the desire for a a baby

Question 72

Define defence mechanisms

Answer 72

Unconscious resources used by the ego to manage the conflict between the id and the superego

Question 73

Name & explain three defence mechanisms

Answer 73

Displacement- redirecting feelings from the true source of distressing emotions onto a substitute target Repression- forcing a distressing memory out of the conscious and into the unconscious Denial- refusing to believe/acknowledge some aspect of reality

Question 74

Describe the case study from the psychodynamic approach Name a disadvantage of this methods

Answer 74

Little Hans: Freud Used PSYCHOANALYSIS Used to illustrate the Oedipus complex through Hans’ fear of horses Subjective=massively open to interpretation

Question 75

Briefly state the three AO3 points of the psychodynamic approach

Answer 75

✅explanatory power ❌methods ❌unfalsifiable

Question 76

Psychodynamic approach AO3 | -explanatory power

Answer 76

Although it is controversial, it is significant in the fact that it draws attention to the connection between experiences in childhood, such as our relationship with our parents and later development.

Question 77

Psychodynamic approach AO3 | -methods

Answer 77

Although Freud’s observation swerve detailed and carefully recorded, it has been criticised that we cannot make such generalisable claims about human nature based on such small numbers of individuals which can be considered psychologically abnormal

Question 78

Psychodynamic approach AO3 | -unfalsifiable

Answer 78

It does not allow for the possibility of being disproved, falsifiability is important in science and so because most of Freud’s concepts such as the id and the Oedipus complex happen at such an unconscious level it is difficult to test

Question 79

Name two other approaches that the humanistic approach rejects

Answer 79

Behaviourism Psychodynamic __________________ Considered to be dehumanising

Question 80

What is the idea of free will

Answer 80

That humans are ‘active agents’ and have full control over their own destiny

Question 81

What does the self concept refer to

Answer 81

How we see and perceive ourselves as a person

Question 82

Which scientist claimed that people have two basic needs What are these needs

Answer 82

Carl Rogers - positive regard from other people - feelings of self worth

Question 83

Define self-actualisation

Answer 83

The innate tendency to achieve ones full potential

Question 84

Both rogers and Maslow saw what as basic human desires

Answer 84

Personal growth

Question 85

What did Maslow propose | What was this centred around

Answer 85

Hierarchy of needs | Human motivation & self actualisation

Question 86

Explain the difference between conditional and unconditional

Answer 86

``` Unconditional= when a person is accepted for who they are and not what they do Conditional= when a person is accepted only if they do what others want them to do ```

Question 87

Explain the difference between congruence and incongruence

Answer 87

Congruence= when the ideal self and self concept match | Incongruence=when the ideal self and self concept are not similar

Question 88

What type of research methods does the humanistic approach use Give 3 examples

Answer 88

Qualitative research methods - diary accounts - interviews (UNSTRUCTURED) - questionnaires

Question 89

Explain what is meant by counselling psycholog in the humanistic approach

Answer 89

Client centred therapy, The therapist should be genuine, empathetic and show unconditional positive regard The aim is too help reduce the incongruence between the self concept and ideal self Focuses on present problems Can NOT be used to treat people with severe mental disorders eg schizophrenia

Question 90

Briefly outline the 3 AO3 points for the humanistic approach

Answer 90

✅holistic ❌cultural bias ❌methodology

Question 91

Humanistic approach AO3 | -holistic

Answer 91

It rejects an attempt to reduce behaviour down to one thing and argues that the subjective can only be understood by considering the WHOLE person. Unlike Biological approach- reduces bhv down to physiological process THEREFORE a strength is that it considered human behaviour within its real life context

Question 92

Humanistic approach AO3 | -cultural bias

Answer 92

The concepts of self actualisation are a product of western society and its individualistic culture. Therefore cannot be applied to other cultures which are collectivist and have a group identity THEREFORE a limitation is that it can only be applied to certain cultures

Question 93

Humanistic approach AO3 | -methodology

Answer 93

Problem because in order to test and measure something it needs to be operationalised, however concepts such as congruence are rather vague and difficult to define making it untestable in any objective way. There is no objective measure. THEREFORE a limitation is that there is no way of objectively testing the humanistic concepts or therapies- we do not know their effectiveness.