approaches Flashcards
When evaluating what do we use
DREAMS
What does DREAMS stand for
Determinism vs free will - external factors that affect behaviour vs a choice in behaviour
Reductionism vs holism - simplify complex behaviour into its basic units vs seeing something as a whole E.g looking into social and cultural factors
Evidence - which studies support this approach
Applications - can you use it in real life situations E.g treatments
Methodology - Which research methods are used by this approach, the strengths of the methods
Scientific methods - is it based on objective, empirical, reliable, replicable measures ?
Define the term introspection
Investigating internal events by examining conscious thoughts and feelings’
Describe introspection
Intropsection focuses on PRESENT experiences (1)
An individual’s conscious experience is systematically analysed. (1)
The individual would focus on an object, whilst listening to a stimulus e.g. metronome and look inwards noticing sensations and emotional reactions e.g. feelings and images. (1)
Analysis is broken up into components of thoughts, images and sensations. (1)
Define the term science
Gaining knowledge through the use of objective (factual) investigation.
Describe the research of Wundt
Wundt is known as the ‘Father of Psychology’.
He set up the first psychology laboratory in Germany in 1879 and published one of the first books on psychology, helping to establish the subject as an independent branch of science.
He used controlled environments to establish general theories about mental processes.
He used he scientific method to study the structure of sensation and perception using introspection, arguing that human experiences should be analysed in terms of its components e.g. sensations, emotional reactions e.g. feelings and images (our present experiences).
Outline the basics assumptions of the psychodynamic approach (at least two)
- Behaviour is due to unconscious motives
- Our understanding of ourselves is distorted by defence mechanisms
Describe the role of the unconscious
The unconscious is part of the mind that contains information we are not consciously aware of such as repressed memories,
the unconscious protects our conscious self from anxiety or fears.
The unconscious drives much of our behaviour such as our personality and behaviours.
Describe the conscious
The part of the mind that we know about and aware of – ‘the tip of the iceberg’.
Describe the pre conscious
The part of the mind that is just below the conscious mind – and includes thoughts and ideas which we may become aware of during dreams or ‘slips of the tongue’ (Freudian slip)
Describe the unconscious
The part of the mind that we are unaware of – biological drives and instincts and threatening and disturbing memories that have been repressed or locked away and forgotten but continue to drive our behaviour.
What parts is the personality made up of
Id
Ego
Superego
Describe the Id
PLEASURE PRINCIPLE.
The id is the unconscious part of the mind
Only Id is present at birth.
Throughout life it’s focus is on self (selfish) and expects immediate gratification
If this is too overpowering for the ego it can produce a selfish personality
What principle is the Id
Pleasure principle
Describe the ego
REALITY PRINCIPLE and is the ‘self.’
The rational and conscious part of the mind and forms from 18 months to 3 years.
Balances the demands to reduce conflict between the Id and Superego by using defence mechanisms.
What principle is the ego
Reality principle
& is the ‘self’
Describe the super ego
MORALITY PRINCIPLE
Part of the unconscious mind.
Forms between 3-6 years
Arises through identification with same-sex parent.
It is our internalised sense of right and wrong (conscience) based on parental values.
If this is too overpowering for the ego it can produce an anxious personality or feelings of guilt
What principle is the superego
Morality principle
Describe what is meant by the term ‘defence mechanism’ (2)
Unconscious strategies that the ego uses to manage the conflict between the Id and Superego (1)
For example, Repression – forcing a distressing memory out of the conscious mind. (2)
How are defence mechanisms used by the ego and how can overuse lead to abnormal behaviour
The Ego has a difficult job balancing the conflicting demands of the Id and Superego so it uses the defence mechanisms.
These are unconscious and stop the Ego from becoming overwhelmed with the conflicts.
However, defence mechanisms can distort a person’s reality (make it difficult to identify what is real and not real) and overuse can affect behaviour so they are not a long term solution.
What are the three defence mechanisms
Repression
Denial
Displacement
Define repression and give an example
Forcing a distressing memory out of the conscious mind.
For example, forgetting the trauma of your favourite pet dying.
Define denial and provide an example
Refusing to acknowledge an unpleasant aspect of reality.
For example, continuing to turn up for work even though you have been sacked.
Define displacement and provide an example
Transferring feelings from the true source of distressing emotion onto a less threatening substitute target.
For example, slamming the door after a row with your mum.