Psych in society

Question 1

Cog

Answer 1

Paragraph 1: Cog can explain ID’s in mental functioning such as alzheimers through Tulving’s episodic memories.
Useful as can help treat alzheimers such as memory buses
Supported by Ostegaard
However other theories from Bartlett
Paragraph 2: Cog can help understand how to improve memory like MSM saying info must be rehearsed to go to LTM
Enabled classroom interventions such as retrieval starters to strengthen LTM to improve students performance
Supported by Butler and Roediger
However doesn’t account for things remembered that aren’t rehearsed like smells

Question 2

Social

Answer 2

Paragraph 1: can explain destructive obedience where Milgram said we obey higher status AF so can apply to Abu Ghraib.
Useful as it helps understand conditions to obey so can consider who is put in authority
Supported by Milgram
However Milgram lacked eco validity
Paragraph 2: reduce prejudice as sheriffs RCT said superordinate goals reduce it e.g. 2 groups in school working together to raise money for charity.
Useful as it reduces harm in society and economical benefits such as less policing
Supported by Robbers Cave
However …

Question 3

Bio

Answer 3

Explain aggression as bio behaviour e.g. amygdala damage leads to aggression due to F/F like Charles Whitman who had tumour on amygdala and did a mass shooting
Used in court as if brain abnormality could get lower sentence and could have interventions.
Supported by Raine
However raine lacked mundane realism
Paragraph 2: Understand role of drugs to aid treatment. E.g. mimic NT’s e.g. haloperidol reducing sz symptoms as reduce dopamine
Useful as can be used for medication
Supported by Schooler - haloperidol showed 75% reduction in symptoms
However not 100%

Question 4

Learning

Answer 4

Help treat phobias to improve quality of life. SD created based on counter conditioning and reciprocal inhibition e.g. someone with spider fear will work up hierarchy
Useful as it improves qualo of life as no longer scared
Supported by Capafons
However requires commitment
Paragraph 2: understand how to modify behaviour which OC and positive reinforcement encourage repetition of desired behaviour
Positive applications as schools can use it such as merit systems
Supported by Skinner
However unethical to manipulate behaviour