Introduction

Question 1

What is a paradigm? - 3 definitions

Answer 1

a set of ideas, a way of looking at something, and a framework through which we interpret reality

a generally accepted perspective/position/view of a particular discipline at a given time

a universally recognizable scientific achievement that for a time provides model problems and solutions

Question 2

What is a paradigm shift?

Answer 2

New theories emerge to challenge the dominant paradigm, which leads to a new theory taking its place

Question 3

What causes paradigm shifts? (2)

Answer 3

1. a new paradigm better explains the observations and offers a model closer to objective reality
2. a new paradigm doesn’t fit with the old

Question 4

Give 3 examples of paradigm shifts

Answer 4

1. Darwin’s theory of evolution replaced the Lamarckian theory
2. Copernicus’ heliocentric model replaced Ptolemy’s cosmo-centric theory
3. Einstein’s theory of gravity replaced Newton’s

Question 5

Why doesn’t psychology have 1 accepted paradigm?

Answer 5

It has several competing schools

Many paradigms coexist and successful ideas have persisted and survived in psychology - hence multiparadigmatic

Question 6

What are the branches that make up psychology?

Answer 6

Psychoanalysis
Behaviorism
Cognitive psychology
Humanistic-existential perspective
Neuropsychology

Question 7

Give a brief description of psychoanalytic theory (5)

Answer 7

Founded by Sigmund Freud

Emphasizes unconscious processes

Deterministic

Focuses on the importance of childhood in the development of personality

Treatment focuses on understanding patients and treating them for their symptoms/problems by making the unconscious conscious

Question 8

What are the 3 waves of psychoanalysis?

Answer 8

1st wave - drive psychology (Freud & Jung)

2nd wave - ego psychology

3rd wave - object relations theory and self psychology

Question 9

What are the 3 focal points of personality?

Answer 9

Structure
Dynamics
Development

Question 10

What is personality? (3)

Answer 10

A complex pattern of deeply embedded long-lasting psychological characteristics

Characteristics are mostly unconscious and not easily altered, and express themselves automatically in almost every facet of functioning

Intrinsic and pervasive traits that emerge from a matrix of biological dispositions and experiential learnings

Question 11

What are the 5 domains of personality?

Answer 11

1. Physical domain
2. Emotional domain
3. Cognitive domain
4. Behavioral domain
5. Spiritual domain

Question 12

Why was psychoanalysis developed?

Answer 12

to try to find a cure to mental illnesses and to provide support to the patients

Question 13

How was the “talking cure” discovered?

Answer 13

Freud’s case of Anna O - the woman in need of treatment for hysteria - talking about her experiences offered some relief of her symptoms - bringing about the discovery of the talking cure

Question 14

What are the main ideas of psychoanalysis? (3)

Answer 14

behavior stems from unconscious processes (beliefs, fears, desires)

a person is only aware of a very small fraction of his mental processes

Freud’s theory is that the unacceptable/forbidden/punished desires are driven out of awareness

Question 15

What are techniques used in psychoanalysis to develop insight into their patients’ symptoms?

Answer 15

Ink blots
Parapraxes (Freudian slips)
Free association
Dream analysis

Question 16

What is the difference between the topographical theory and the structural theory?

Answer 16

Structural theory: the personality is made up of the ID, EGO, SUPEREGO

Topographical theory: the personality operates at 3 different levels of awareness: CONSCIOUS, PRE-CONSCIOUS, UNCONSCIOUS