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Psychology AQA A-Level > Approaches > Flashcards

Approaches Flashcards

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1
Q

What does the behaviourist approach assume ?

(Behaviourist Approach)

A

Basic processes that make us learn are the same for all species.
(Only studies behaviour that can be observed or measured)

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2
Q

What’s the process of Classical Conditioning ?

(Behaviourist Approach)

A
  1. Unconditioned Stimulus -> Unconditioned response
  2. Neutral Stimulus -> No Response
  3. US + NS -> Unconditioned response
  4. Conditioned Stimulus -> Conditioned Response
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3
Q

What are the three parts of Operant Conditioning ?

(Behaviorist Approach)

A

Positive Reinforcement - Receiving a reward for a certain behaviour.
Negative Reinforcement - Doing something to avoid something unpleasant.
Punishment - Unpleasant consequence of bad behaviour.

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4
Q

What was Skinner’s study ?

(Behaviourist Approach)

A

Aim - To discover if behaviour can be learnt through reinforcement.

Procedure - Put rats in skinner boxes. When rat presses lever was rewarded with food.

Findings - Rats repeated behaviour to get food.

Findings - Rats can be conditioned to avoid unpleasant stimulus (Electric Shock).

Conclusion - Behaviour and repetition can be encouraged through reinforcement.

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5
Q

Explain - Strength - Real world Approach

(Behaviourist Approach)

A

Point - Behaviourist approach has real world application.
Evidence - Token Economies, used in prisons.
Further - Used for treatment of phobias through systematic desensitisation.

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6
Q

Explain - Weakness - Mechanisitc View of Behaviour

(Behaviourist Approach)

A

Point - Behaviourist approach has a simplistic/mechanic view of behaviour.
Evidence - Claims Humans/Animals are passive machine like responders with little/no conscious understanding.
I&D - Environmental determinism which ignores free will.

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7
Q

Explain - Weakness - Limited Perspective on Behaviour

(Behaviourist Approach)

A

Point - Approach ignores other levels of explanation.
Evidence - Doesnt account for the impact of other factors on behaviour (Hormones = Agressivness)
I&D - Purely nature approach. Interactionist approach should be used. Nature and Nurture are linked and shouldnt be seperated.

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8
Q

Explain - Weakness - Limited Perspective on Behavior

(Behaviourist Approach)

A

Point - Approach ignores other levels of explanation.
Evidence - Doesnt account for the impact of other factors on behaviour (Hormones = Agressivness)
I&D - Purely nature approach. Interactionist approach should be used. Nature and Nurture are linked and shouldnt be seperated.

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9
Q

What did Wundt do for psychology?

(Wundt/Emergence of science)

A

Wundt moved psychology from philosphical roots to scientific research.

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10
Q

What was Wundt’s contribution to psychology?

(Wundt/Emergence of science)

A

Structuralism - Breaking down the human mind.
Introspection - Studying the human mind by asking Ps to report back inner processes to a stimulus.

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11
Q

Evaluate Introspection and Structuralism ?

(Wundt/Emergence of science)

A

Point - Wundt’s work relies on non-observable responses.
Further - Other psychologists were already relying on observable data.

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12
Q

Evaluation - Strength - Psychology Emerging as a Science ?

(Wundt/Emergence of science)

A

Point - Scientific approach relies on objective and systematic methods.
I&D -Relies entirely on determinism.

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13
Q

Evaluation - Weakness - Psychology Emerging as a Science ?

(Wundt/Emergence of science)

A

Point - Studies contain low mundane realsim due to cointrived situations.
Further - Psychologists argue much of psychology is unobservable.

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14
Q

What is the assumption of social learning theory ?

(Social Larning Theory)

A

People learn indirectly through observation and imitation.

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15
Q

What is Vicarious Reinforcement ?

(Social Larning Theory)

A

Reinforcement that is not directly experienced but occurs through viewing the nbehaviour of others getting reinforced.

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16
Q

What are Bandura’s mediational processes ?

(Social Larning Theory)

A

Attention- the extent to which we notice certain behaviours.
Retention- how well we remember the behaviour.
Motor reproduction- the ability to perform the behaviour we have seen.
Motivation- the will to perform the behaviour.

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17
Q

What are the types of role models ?

(Social Larning Theory)

A

Live models - An actual person performing a behaviour.
Symbolic Models - Either a real or fictional character demonstrating a behaviour.
Role models are people we identify with.

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18
Q

Bobo Doll

Explain Bandura’s Experiment ?

(Social Larning Theory)

A

Aim - To discover extent of children imitating behaviour of adults
Method - Children observed adult interaction with bobo doll.
Half exposed to
Aggressive / Non-Aggressive
Findings - Children reproduced the behaviour they observed.

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19
Q

Evaluation - Weakness - Other Factors Affecting Behaviour ?

(Social Larning Theory)

A

Point - SLT neglects biological differneces.
Explain - Biological approach suggests testosterone causes aggression not imitation.
I&D - SLT focuses to much on nurture.

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20
Q

Evaluation - Strength - More comprehensive explanation than behaviorism ?

(Social Larning Theory)

A

Point - SLT recognises cognitive factors in learning.
Explain - SLT explains thought processes behind why a response is imitated.
I&D - Less determinist approach as realises we exert an influence upon external environment. There is some free will.

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21
Q

Evaluation - Strength - Explains cultural differences in behaviour ?

(Social Larning Theory)

A

Point - SLT explains cultural differneces in behaviour.
Explain - Cultural norms are transmitted through societies due to learning for people around you.
I&D - Reduces culture bias. Explanation of learning is universal.

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22
Q

Explain - Strength - Practical Application ?

(Social Learning Theory)

A

Point - Help increase our understanding of criminal behaviour.
Explain - Edward Sutherland theory of offending, criminal behaviour learned through intercations.
Further - SLT has been used in media to promote positive behaviour, such as stong female characters.

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23
Q

What’s the information processing approach ?

(Coginitve Approach)

A

Information flows through the coginitve system in a sequence of stages .
-input
-storage
-retrieval

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24
Q

How does the computer analogy work ?

(Cognitive Approach)

A

Brain = Central processing unit
Coding = Turning information into useable format
Stores = Hold Information

25
Q

What is a schema?

(Cognitive Approach)

A

Packages of ideas and information devleoped through experience.

26
Q

Positives and negatives of schema’s ?

(Cognitive Approach)

A

Positive - Schemas allow us to process lots of information quickly.
Negative - Schemas can lead to unhelpful thinking patterns that can contribute to depression and predujices.

27
Q

Explain cognitive neuroscience ?

(Cognitive Approach)

A

Scientific study of the influence of brain structures on mental processes.
Mapping brain areas to specific cognitive functions.
Paul Broca - identified that damage to an area in the frontal lobe could permantly impair speech production.

Tulving Et Al - Different types of long term memory can be found on different sides of the pre-frontal cortex.

28
Q

Explain - Strength - Cognitive Approach is Scientific ?

(Cognitive Approach)

A

Point - Coginitive approach uses scientific methods to investigate the mind and internal mental processes.
Explain - Used experimental methods to produce reliable,objective data leading to an accurate and unbiased conclusions.
Counter - Lacks mundane realism as studies dont relate to real life every day experiences.

29
Q

Explain - Strength - Practical Application ?

(Cognitive Approach)

A

Point - Cognitive approach has practical uses, for example the treatment of a wide range of mental disorders.
Explain - From a cognitive perspective depression is caused by the developement of negative schemas. Treatment aims to challenge this.
Further - Has been applied to a wide range of contexts. such as AI revolutionising the way we think.

30
Q

Explain - Weakness - Limitations of Computer Models ?

(Cognitive Approach)

A

Point - Computer models are to simplistic to explain information processing.
Explain - Computers do not make mistakes, ignore available information or forget anything stored on there hardrives.
I&D - The cognitive approach is machine reductionist and it removes the core essence of what its like to be human.

31
Q

Define Genotype and Phenotype ?

(Biological Approach)

A

Genotype - a persons genetic makeup.

Phenotype - The way genes are expressed through physical, behavioural and psychological characteristics.

32
Q

What is Phenylketonuria and how does it affect babies ?

(Biological Approach)

A

Phenylketonuria is a rare genetic disorder. If left untreated can cause severe learning difficulties. Can be treated with a restricted diet.

33
Q

Explain the Influence of Biological Structures on Behaviour ?

(Biological Approach)

A

The brain has different parts responsible for different behaviours:

  • Frontal Lobes – responsible for speech, though and language
  • Temporal Lobes – responsible for hearing and memory
  • Parietal Lobes – responsible for sensory information
  • Occipital Lobes – responsible for visual information

Neurotransmitters also influence our behaviour:

  • Dopamine – associated with motivation
  • Serotonin – need adequate amounts to maintain a stable mood
34
Q

Explain Charles Darwins Theory of Evolution ?

(Biological Approach)

A

Genetically determined behaviour that will enhance survival will continue in future generations.

Occurs naturally due to posessor of traits being more likely to survive and therefore reproduce.

Infantrs have evolved to have cute characteristics to trigger adult attachement systems.

35
Q

Evaluation - Strength - Real Life Application ?

(Biological Approach)

A

Point - Increased understanding of biochemical processes in the brain have led to the developement of psychoactive drugs that treat serious mental illness.
Explain - SSRI’s have allowed for seratonin to transfer around the body more efficiently.
Further - Research into circadian rythms and their link to pychological well being have led to better working conditions.

36
Q

Evaluation - Strength - Scientific Method of Study

(Biological Approach)

A

Point - The biological approach utilies scientific methods to study the brain.
Explain - The approach uses FMRI’s and Twin Studies which both provide reliable & objective data.
I&D - Nature vs Nurture - Criticism of twin studies states that twins are exposed to similar environmantal conditions therefore the nurture argument couls be just as easily supportefd.

37
Q

Evaluation - weakness - Potential risk of over-relying on genetics to explain behaviour ?

(Biological Approach)

A

Point - Over reliance on genetics to explain behaviour poses risks in the furture.
Explain - If the biological approach is used to explain criminal behaviour this causes large problems in the justice system, becuase it would be difficult to justify punishing someone for offending due to biological factors as they would have no control over behaviour.
I&D - This is hard biological determinism. Ignores any influence of free will on behaviour.

38
Q

Explain the conscious, preconscious mind and unconscious mind ?

(Pyschodynamic Approach)

A

Conscious - tip of the iceberg - thoughts we are currently aware of
Preconscious Mind - Under the surface - thoughts we may eventually become aware of
Unconscious Mind - Completely Submerged - unaware of but drives our behaviour

39
Q

What are the 3 parts of personality ?

(Pyschodynamic Approach)

A
  • The Id
  • Ego
    -The Superego
40
Q

What are the characterisics of the Id ?

(Pyschodynamic Approach)

A

Present from birth
Operates on pleasure principle
Selfish and demands immediate gratification
Found in unconscious

41
Q

What are the characteristics of the Ego ?

(Pyschodynamic Approach)

A

Develops around age 2
Works on reaity principle
Role is to reduce conflict of Id & Superego
Uses defense mechanisms

42
Q

What are the haracteristics of the Superego ?

(Pyschodynamic Approach)

A

Develops around age 5
Sense of right and wrong
Works on morality principle
punishes ego through guilt

43
Q

Name and define the three defense mechanisms ?

(Pyschodynamic Approach)

A

Repression - Forcing a distressing memory out of the conscious mind
Denial - Refuse to acknowledge aspects of reality
Displacement - Transfer feelings from true source of distressing emotion onto a substitute

44
Q

Name and describe the psychosexual stages ?

(Pyschodynamic Approach)

A

Oral (0-1) - Focus of pleasure is the mouth - Acheived through succesful eating independently | Oral fixation - Caused by deprivation of love

Anul(1-3) - Focus of pleasre in the anus - Acheived through succesful potty training | Anal retentitive & Anal Expulsive - Caused by Harsh or lax toilet training

Phallic(3-5) - Focus of pleasure is the genital area - Acheived through identfying with same sex parent | Phallic Personality - Caused by absent father figure or harsh mother

Latency (6) - Sexual urges directed into hobbies & making same sex friends | Immaturity and innability to form fufilling relationships as adult

Geital Puberty(18+) - Sexual desires become consious - Healthy adult relationships if previous steps complete | Difficulty forming heterosexual relationships

Succefully complete | Unsucessful outcome & cause

Old Age Pensioners Love Gear

45
Q

What is the Oedious Complex ?

(Pyschodynamic Approach)

A

Oedipus Complex - Boys develop incestrous feelings for mother and muderous hatred for father

Boys fear castration from father and repress feelings for mother

Boys identify with father and take on gender role and moral values

46
Q

Explain Little Hans case study ?

(Psychodynamic Approach)

A

Hans developed a phobia of horses after seeing one collapse
From age 3 - Hans was fascinated with widdlers and mother threatned to chop it off
Hans fear of horses worsensed
Freud linked this to horses large penises
Hans displaced fear of castration anxiety from father onto horse

(Oedipus Complex)

47
Q

What is the Electra Complex ?

(Psychodynamic Approach)

A

Electra Complex - Girls experience penis envy
Hate their mother

Overtime desire for father changes to desire for baby - identify with mother and adpt gender roles
Identification with mother not as urgent as no castration anxiety - due to less dveleoped superego

48
Q

Evaluation - Strength - Real Life Application ?

(Psychodynamic Approach)

A

Point - Psychodynamic approach lead to psychoanalysis as a treatment, talking about childhood spirations and dreams
Further - Blackburn uses as explanantion for reasons why people commit crime. Those without same sex parent have ‘‘Weak Superego’’ which means no morals are learnt

49
Q

Explanation - Linitation - Non-Scientific Method ?

(Psychodynamic Approach)

A

Point - Freuds theory was based on case studies of people who were psychologically abnormal. Therefore meaningful generalisations could not be made.
I&D - Idiographic approach through use of case studies, however attempts to make nomothetic conclusions assuming he identified univeral laws of behaviour

50
Q

Explanation - Linitation - Uses Untestable Concepts ?

(Psychodynamic Approach)

A

Point - Popper claims for something to be scientific must meet criteria of falseification. The Id operates unconsciously and is untestable
Explain - Popper states this takes away the status of ‘‘pseudoscience’’ from psychodynamic approach

51
Q

Draw Maslows heirachy of Needs ?

(Humanistic Approach)

A
52
Q

What does Rogers State ?

(Humanistic Approach)

A

For individuals to ‘self actualise’ there needs to be a congruence between our ‘self-image’ and ‘ideal self’

If the gap is too big individuals will suffer from incongruence

53
Q

What is Self Actualisation ?

(Humanistic Approach)

A

Self-actualisation - innate desire to grow psychologically and fufil full potential

54
Q

Explain what is meant by Conditions of Worth ?

(Humanisitc Approach)

A

Conditions of worth - When people experience conditional positive regard
This stores up psychological problems for childs future

55
Q

Explain Rogers Influence on Counselling ?

(Humanistic Approach)

A

Rogers - Client centred therapy

The aim of the therapy is t acheive congruence, by increasing feelings of self worth and halping people cope with problems of day to day living

56
Q

Evaluation - Limitation - Therapy isnt as effective as others ?

(Humanistic Approach)

A

Point - Has a limited impact within psychology in comparison to other techniques like CBT.
I&D - Culture Bias - Theory works well with individualisitc cultures but not with collectivist cultures.

57
Q

Evaluation - Limitation - Uses Untestable Concepts ?

(Humanistic Approach)

A

Point - Uses vague ideas which are difficult to test and harms the credibility of psychology
I&D - The approach is more holistic then other approaches and considers the experiences of the entire person. Making it more vslid than other approaches

58
Q

Evaluation - Strength - Positive Outlook on Human Life ?

(Humanistic Approach)

A

Point - Promotes a positive outlook of the human condition, they see people as in control of their lives and having freedom to change. Puts the person back in psychology
Further - Freud saw humans as slaves if theur past and constantly between happiness and absolute despair

Psychology AQA A-Level (10 decks)

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