Individualistic Theories : Evaluation Flashcards
What are strengths of Bandura’s social learning theory (3)
Bobo doll experiment showed the model did have an effect on behaviour - cause & effect.
The experiment & variables were controlled
The study has been replicated and similar results were found.
What are limitations of Bandura’s social learning theory?
The bobo doll experiment has low ecological validity. The model & child are strangers, whereas SLT usually takes place in the home with familiar models.
The experiment involves ethical issues due to exposing the children to aggression with the understanding they would imitate it.
The Bobo doll is meant to be hit.
What are strengths of Freud’s psychodynamic theory?
Psychodynamic theories have contributed to research about crime / behaviour. In particular, childhood experiences and the importance on them on future behaviour.
The superego, ego & id relate to different parts of the brain. The limbic system is the brain’s emotional centre (like the id) and the prefrontal cortex is related to rational decision making (like the ego)
What are limitations of the psychodynamic theory?
The theories are no longer accredited by psychologists due to the difficulty of testing concepts like the unconscious mind.
The theories are very unscientific mind and lack objective interpretation. It is a very subjective process.
There is a lack of quantitative data from Freud’s case studies. He knew his patients and could not be objective. He also psychoanalysed himself.
What are the strengths of Eysenck’s psychological theory?
He did research on soldiers in hospitals and predicted the most traumatised soldiers would score higher on neurotic.
If the theory is correct and tendencies towards criminal behaviour are detectable in childhood, then it may be possible to intervene at an early stage and prevent development.
His personality test has formed the basis of many modern personality tests, for example psychometric tests. DeYoung suggests there is a link between P,E,N scores and brain processes.
What are limitations of Eysenck’s psychological theory?
There is a lack of reliability as people may not respond exactly the same to the same questions every time. Or, they may provide answers that they think the researcher wants to hear.
Research relies on self report measures. This could result in biased or deliberately false answers. (Farrington et al)
Theory suggests that personality is genetic and fails to consider that it may change over time
