Approaches Comparison

Question 1

Comparison of scientific methodology

Answer 1

behaviourist
= focus on observable stimuli/responses
- controlled conditions/large samples = precise replication
= highly scientific

SLT
= use experimental methods/large samples (to study…)
- BUT cannot directly observe internal mental processes = infer from behaviour - risk of misinterpretaion
= reduce scientific credibility

cognitive
= controlled/lab studies to support theories, e.g., WMM/MSM
- BUT cannot directly observe internal mental processes = infer from behaviour - risk of misinterpretaion
= reduce scientific credibility

biologicial
= study directly observable physical processes, e.g., brain activity
- through objective measures (fMRIs, DNA sequencing)
- placebo and blind trials = test drugs, prevent bias
= highly scientific

psychdynamic
= based on case studies; retrospective data, subject to bias
- concepts like superego = not operationalised
= cannot be scientifically studied/falsified

humanistic
= reject scientific method
- + causal relationships
= lack empirical evidence to support claims

Question 2

Comparison of determinism

Answer 2

behaviourist
= hard environmental determinists
- no role of free will

SLT
= environmental determinists
+ reciprocal determinists (behaviour also influence behaviour, e.g., hard work = good grades)

cognitive
= soft determinists
- with concious effort/free will = modify maladaptive internal mental processes

biological
= hard biologically determinists
- no role of free will

psychodynamic
= psychic determinism

humanistic
= argue for free will
- have agency + ability to make own decisions free from restraints

Question 3

Comparison of nature vs nurture

Answer 3

behaviourists
= nurture extreme end
- most important influences are environmental (nurture), but there is some role of nature (e.g., UCR)

SLT
= nurture

cognitive
= argue both aspects important
- closer to nurture, e.g., schemas formed through experiences

biological
= nature extreme end
- behaviours are hereditary

psychodynamic
= both aspects

humanists
= holists (both aspects)
- any valid explanation of behaviour = include wide range of factors and how they interact

Question 4

Comparison of reductionism

Answer 4

behaviourists
= highly environmentally reductionist

SLT
= less reductionist than behaviourist
- include cognitive aspects

cognitive
= machine reductionist

biological
= highly biologically reductionist

psychodynamic
= not reductionist, explanation consist of range of factors
- interaction between unconcious and concious mind, psychosexual stages

humanistic
= holistic
- have to explain experience through widest range of factors

Question 5

Comparison of psychological treatment

Answer 5

behaviourist
= used in treatment of phobias (counterconditioning)
= e.g., flooding, SD

SLT
= social learning therapy = modelling used in safe environment to alter maladaptive behaviour
- e.g., treat child with high levels of aggression through showing vid of similar aged children interacting prosocially, and being rewarded for this

cognitive
= CBT
challenge irrational thoughts + cognitively restructure, e.g., negative schemas

biological
= drug therapy/brain surgery
- DT = alter NTs activity (e.g., SSRIs)

psychodynamic
= talking therapy/psychotherapy
- focus on past experiences, discuss how unconcious thoughts/feelings impact current behaviour/relationships

humanistic
= client-centred therapy
- focus on client’s capacity for growth, not mental illness
- therapist assist, not direct
- therapist provide UPR, accept client for who they are