Module 1 - Psychology Perspectives

Question 1

Psychology:

Answer 1

Scientific investigation of
Mental (Cognitive) processes (thinking, remembering, feeling)
& Behaviour

Question 2

4 Goals of Psychology:

Answer 2

Describe
Explain
Predict
Change
-> mental processes & behaviours

Question 3

5 fields/perspectives of psychology:

Answer 3

Psychodynamic
Behaviourism
Cognitive
Humanistic
Evolutionary

Question 4

Key Figures:
(Psychodynamic)

Answer 4

Sigmund Freud

Question 5

Key Principles (2):
(Psychodynamic)

Answer 5

Behaviour is the result of unconscious psychological processes, motivation and early experiences
Internal conflict because of contradictory desires and impulses

Question 6

Methods:
(Psychodynamic)

Answer 6

Case Studies
Dream analysis
Limited experimentation

Question 7

What is the treatment for fears & anxieties?
(Psychodynamic)

Answer 7

Psychoanalysis treatment

Question 8

What causes mental disorders?
(Psychodynamic)

Answer 8

Internal conflict in the mind between Ego, Superego and Id

Question 9

Ego:
(Psychodynamic)

Answer 9

Conscious mind - mediator between Superego and Id
Tip of the iceberg

Question 10

Superego
(Psychodynamic)

Answer 10

Preconscious Mind - ideals, morals, angel

Question 11

Id
(Psychodynamic)

Answer 11

Unconscious Mind - deals with impulses and urges

Question 12

Key Principles (3):
(Behaviourism)

Answer 12

Study of observable behaviours
Behaviour is learned and shaped by environmental events (stimuli)
Learned responses based on experiences

Question 13

Method of study:
(Behaviourism)

Answer 13

Method of study: laboratory experimentation with humans and animals
Classical conditioning (Pavlov)
Operant conditioning
Stimulus Generalisation

Question 14

Key insights (3)
(Cognitive psychology)

Answer 14

Behaviour is the product of information processing: storage, transformation and retrieval of data
Computational models (brain as a information processing device)
Brain damage offers insights into how function is regionalised in the brain

Question 15

Method of study:
(Cognitive psychology)

Answer 15

Experimentation focused on mental processes
How memory works, how people make decisions or solve problems

Question 16

Key Principles (3)
(Humanistic Psychology)

Answer 16

Behaviour is shaped by need to self actualise, to fulfil one’s inner potential
Focus on uniqueness of the individual
Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs

Question 17

Methods:
(Humanistic Psychology)

Answer 17

Person centred, empathy of therapist, respect for the individual

Question 18

Key Principles (2)
(Evolutionary Psychology)

Answer 18

Behaviour in humans evolved because they helped our ancestors to survive and rear healthy offspring
Natural Selection: the most adaptive behavioural traits are those that helped our ancestors adjust and survive in their environment

Question 19

Methods:
(Evolutionary Psychology)

Answer 19

Cross species / cross cultural comparisons (eg. We all cry the same way)
Limited experimentation

Question 20

What is the relevance of psychology in Allied Health?

Answer 20

Helps to understand mental processes and driving motivational forces behind behaviours
-> Improves practice outcomes and avoid harm
-> guide therapy