Evaluating The Psychodynamic Approach: Weaknesses Flashcards
What Are The 3 Weaknesses Of The Psychodynamic Approach?
- Reductionist and simplified approach
- Determinist approach
- Cannot be proven wrong
Why Is The Psychodynamic Approach Accused Of Being A Reductionist Approach?
It can be accused of being reductionist as it simplifies the complex human behaviour to the mechanics of the mind; the id, ego and superego.
What Other Important Influences On Behaviour Are Ignored By The Psychodynamic Approach?
Ignores other important influences on behaviour, such as biochemistry and genetics.
What Was The Main Way The Psychodynamic Approach Explained Autism In The 50s And 60s?
During the 50s and 60s, the explanation for autism was that some mothers were very distant from their children. This is an oversimplification of autism.
What Are The 2 Reasons That The Psychodynamic Approach Is A Determinist Approach?
- Freud saw infant behaviour as determined by the libido.
- Freud saw adult behaviour as determined by childhood experiences.
What Is The Psychodynamic Approach’s Views On Free Will?
The psychodynamic approach does not believe in free will.
Why Is The Fact That The Psychodynamic Approach Is A Determinist Approach, A Weakness?
This is a weakness as we are able to change the way that we behave.
What Is The Major Objection To Freud’s Theory?
The major objection to Freud’s theory is that it is difficult to falsify.
Why Is The Fact That Freud’s Theory Is Difficult To Falsify An Issue?
This is because falsification is the only way to be certain of a theory.
What Is An Example Of One Of Freud’s ‘Slippery’ Theories?
Freud’s view that all men have repressed homosexual tendencies.
What Did MacKinnon (1938) Find?
MacKinnon (1938) found that individuals who cheated at a task tended to express less guilt when questioned about life in general than those who did not cheat.
What Did MacKinnon’s (1938) Research Prove About Freud’s Theory?
This proved Freud’s theory that there would be an inverse relationship between guilt and cheating at a task.
