approaches evaluation quick

Question 1

behaviourist

Answer 1

ADV:
1. scientific due to objectively observable stimulus response mechanisms showing cause and effect
2. Has led to multiple treatments for phobias such as SD and flooding while also used practically in many prisons in token economy
DIS:
1. Uses animal studies which cannot be generalised to more complex humans and some animals were harmed (skinner experiment)
2. Environmentally reductionist as it narrows down complex humans and behaviour to simple stimulus response links

Question 2

social learning theory

Answer 2

ADV:
1. Uses controlled evidence such as bandura’s study which increases validity
2. Less reductionist as it takes into account internal mental processes in mediational processes
3. Reciprocal determinism as behaviour isn’t only influenced by the environment but also shapes it
DIS:
1. The use of inferences in mediational processes cannot directly be tested or observed so makes less scientific

Question 3

cognitive

Answer 3

ADV:
1. Scientific credibility due to use of highly controlled experiments such as those supporting memory
2. practical applications of understanding role of schemas in mental health as has led to development of CBT which is used to treat depression
3. Soft determinism as believes schemas affect our behaviour but we can consciously modify our internal mental processes
DIS:
1. Inferences about internal mental processes cannot be observed or tested so not fully scientific
2. Machine reductionism when comparing the human brain to a CPU of a computer.

Question 4

biological

Answer 4

ADV:
1. empirical evidence as theories are backed by studies using PET and FMRI scans which is highly scientific
2. large scale concordance studies such as gottesman and shields shows genes have an influence on behaviour
3. Practical applications such as the use of drug therapy in treating many disorders such as OCD
DIS:
1. Biological determinism as according to this approach actions are predetermined due to biological processes so humans have no control over their behaviour which is untrue

Question 5

psychodynamic

Answer 5

ADV:
1. Not reductionist as takes into account biological changes in childhood and how the unconscious interacts with the conscious
2. practical applications as it has led to psychotherapy which uses introspection to focus on past experiences and how the unconscious can lead to negative impact on thoughts and feelings
DIS:
1. Lacks scientific credibility as most of Freuds evidence is from case studies and him interpreting memories and dreams
2. Lacks falsifiability as you cannot test the levels of the mind wrong as they are defined in a way which can’t be observed or tested.

Question 6

humanistic

Answer 6

ADV:
1. Holistic as is explained by a wide range of factors from biological to direct experiences.
2. Face validity as it feels as though we have free will and autonomy to do what we want
3. practical applications as maslows hierarchy of needs has been applied to business and sport
DIS:
1. Not scientific so lacks empirical evidence to support the claims such as self actualisation unable to be operationalised
2. developed in 1960’s america so culturally biased towards western individualistic ideas.