Approaches Flashcards
What is the basic assumption of the behaviourist approach?
Behaviour is learnt through classical and operant conditioning
What is the basic assumption of the psychodynamic approach?
We are driven by unconscious motives and desires caused by things which occurred in childhood
What is the basic assumption of the humanistic approach?
We have a hierarchy of needs starting with self esteem as the most important followed by esteem, love/belonging, safety and physiological needs.
What does social learning theory assume?
Behaviour is observed and copied, we identify with someone we imitate them. We also learn through vicarious experiences.
What is the basic assumption of the cognitive approach?
The brain works like a computer based on schema and theoretical models like the working model of memory.
What is the basic assumption of the biological approach?
Behaviour is dependent on genetics and inherited characteristics. We have genotypes (our genes inherited from our parents) and phenotypes (the present characteristics)
Outline Skinner’s study on rats
Took rats, put them in a specially designed box. The rats were rewarded to push a lever in relation to a light and were punished when the pressed it at the wrong time. Outlines operant conditioning (learning based on reward and punishment)
Outline Pavlov’s study on dogs
Dog salivates at food, rings bell whilst food present. Caused dog to associate bell with food. Eventually the dog salivated in response to a bell. Outlines classical conditioning (learning through association)
Outline Freud’s theory
Freud's psychosexual stages... Oral, 0-2 years Anal, 2-3 years Phallic, 3-6 years Latent, 6-12 years Genital, 12+ years
Outline a negative about the behaviourist approach
Based on animal research, may not be applicable to humans
Ignores individual differences
Outline a positive about the behaviourist approach
Has experimental evidence eg. little albert
Laboratory experiments are high in control
Practical applications= systematic desensitisation
Outline a negative about the psychodynamic approach
Gender biased, ignorant of female sexuality
Culture biased, little relevance to those not from western culture
It is too determinist and rejects the idea of free will
What are the defence mechanisms
Denial
Displacement
Repression
Outline a positive about the psychodynamic approach
It’s a comprehensive theory and can be used in other areas outside psychology
Empirical evidence support the defence mechanisms
Outline a positive about the humanistic approach
Widely used in mental health work
Found to significantly improve peoples lives
Outline a negative about the humanistic approach
The ideals are unrealistic
Don’t show that certain individuals may prioritise other things
Only looks at behaviour holistically and does not break it down
Outline a positive about the biological approach
Research based on scientific methods eg. FMRI scans
Real life applications eg. drug therapy
Outline a negative about the biological approach
Determinist, caused only by biological factors
Reductionist
Outline a positive about the cognitive approach
Lab experiments are highly controlled
Practical examples eg. schema explain why memories can be distorted
Real life example eg. CBT therapy
Outline a negative about the cognitive approach
Reductionist as it does not take into account emotions etc
The studies often lack ecological validity
Outline a positive about social learning theory
Application to criminals- criminals often found to have been exposed to criminal models
Explains the difference of behaviour between cultures
Outline a negative about social learning theory
Doesn’t explain why boys acted more aggressive than girls
No mundane realism
