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Approaches Flashcards

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1
Q

Define psychology

A

The study of the human mind and behaviour

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2
Q

What was Wundt’s nickname and why did he earn it?

A

‘The father of psychology’ as he set up the first experimental laboratory in Leipzig in 1879

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3
Q

What was Wundt’s experiment?

A

Introspection- participants would focus on something such as a ticking metronome and report their thoughts, emotions,experiences and sensations.

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4
Q

What are the strengths of introspection?

A

S- high reliability- controlled measures used so procedure can be replicated

S- paved the way for psychology- lead to new approaches like behaviourism that used lab studies.

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5
Q

What are the weaknesses of introspection?

A

L- highly subjective and unreliable- believed that behaviours can only be measured when observed, which goes against Wundt’s study

L-low reliability- demand characteristics a problem as experiment was conducted in a lab

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6
Q

What are the basic assumptions of behaviourism?

A

-all behaviour is learned from experience
-behaviour can only be measured through observation
-not concerned with what happens in the mind
-lab studies are used
-animals thought to share the same principles as humans

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7
Q

What was Pavlov’s experiment on dogs research for?

A

Classical conditioning

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8
Q

How was classical conditioning carried out by Watson and Rayner (1920)

A

Little Albert the mouse and the hammer

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9
Q

What are the three types of reinforcement?

A

Positive reinforcement
Negative reinforcement
Punishment

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10
Q

What are two strengths of the behaviourist approach?

A

S- highly scientific- lab studies were used which are very controlled

S- real world application- used in prisons and psychiatric facilities for reward systems to improve inmates behaviour

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11
Q

What are the limitations of the behaviourist approach?

A

L- mechanistic view of human behaviour- doesn’t take into account the processes in the mind of a human and their thoughts

L- doesn’t take free will into consideration- skinner said free will is an ‘illusion’ which is too simplistic

L- ethical issues- animals tested on and treated very badly

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12
Q

What is the social learning theory?

A

The belief that humans learn behaviour through the observation and imitation of role models

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13
Q

What are the two key assumptions of the SLT?

A

-all behaviour is learned from the environment and genetics play no part
-behaviour is learned from the observation of others behaviour and the reinforcement they receive

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14
Q

What is vicarious reinforcement?

A

When a person is more or less likely to do something depending on the type of reinforcement somebody else receives from doing that thing

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15
Q

Strengths of the bobo doll experiment

A

S- children cannot show demand characteristics

S- highly controlled- matched pairs design etc

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16
Q

Weaknesses of the bobo doll experiment

A

L- sample bias- all participants were white and middle class

L- only tested on a doll so doesn’t replicate real life.

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17
Q

What are the four meditational processes?

A

Attention, retention, motor reproduction, motivation

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18
Q

What are two strengths of the SLT?

A

S- can explain differences in cultural behaviours, explains how children take inspiration from role models so they will act like their superiors

S-supporting evidence- cook and mineka showed a monkey a video of a monkey being attacked by a snake and then the monkey wouldn’t approach food if a fake snake was present.

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19
Q

What are two weaknesses of SLT?

A

L- lab studies- most of supporting evidence done in labs so demand characteristics etc are a problem

L- ignores biological factors- higher levels of testosterone could affect bobo doll experiment

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20
Q

What are the basic assumptions of the cognitive approach?

A

-focuses on how people interpret information
-looks at internal mental processes to understand behaviour
-thought processes should be studied scientifically.
-thoughts studied indirectly through inferences

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21
Q

What is inference?

A

Making a logical assumption based of previously known info

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22
Q

What are two strengths of schema?

A

-helps us to process info quickly

-stop us from being overwhelmed by new environments

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23
Q

What are two weaknesses of schema?

A

-can distort interpretations of things

-can lead to bias and irrational thinking

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24
Q

What is cognitive neuroscience?

A

The study of how the brain structure affects internal process, and therefore behaviour

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25
Q

How is cognitive neuroscience carried out?

A

Using PET and fMRI scans

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26
Q

What are two strengths of the cognitive approach?

A

S- reliable and objective data- lots of highly controlled lab studies used such as memory tests

S- real world application- used to develop AI and CBT through fixing negative thought patterns to treat depression

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27
Q

What are two weaknesses of the cognitive approach?

A

L- lab studies used- demand characteristics more of a problem and stimuli used are artificial and lack mundane realism (word lists etc)- relies on inferences which can make it appear too subjective

L- machine reductionism- research shows emotion impacts our ability to process info, this is not considered in the.CA

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28
Q

What are the basic assumptions of the biological approach?

A

-all thoughts,emotions etc have physical basis
-uses twin studies, blood tests, brain scanning and animal studies

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29
Q

What are monozygotic twins?

A

Identical twins that share 100% of their DNA

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30
Q

What are dizygotic twins?

A

Non identical twins that share 50% of their DNA (same as normal siblings)

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31
Q

What is concordance rate?

A

The rate of probability that two people with the same genes will develop the same organic disease

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32
Q

How can the expression of a genotype be altered?

A

By environmental factors. For example, skin colour and weight

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33
Q

Why do infants have an innate drive to form attachments?

A

Evolution- because they are vulnerable so if they form an attachment with a care giver they can be protected

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34
Q

Why do people inherit phobias?

A

Evolution- come from ancestors who had a traumatic experience as a defense mechanism

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35
Q

What are two strengths of that biological approach?

A

S- very scientific- PET, fMRI scans and twin studies provide reliable objective data.

S-real world application- lead to medication to help people with schizophrenia and depression

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36
Q

What are the limitations of the biological approach?

A

L- too reductionist- very simplistic and ignores the role of environment and emotions on behaviour

L- cannot differentiate between nature and nurture- could be argued twins are similar due to being bought up in the same environment

L- ‘criminal gene’ could create problems for society

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37
Q

What are the basic assumptions of the psychodynamic approach?

A

-a person is seen as constantly changing (‘dynamic’)
-the unconscious and childhood experiences are key in shaping personality

38
Q

What’s in the unconscious mind?

A

Fears, unacceptable sexual desires, selfish needs, violent motives etc

39
Q

Describe the Id

A

Present at birth

Acts on pleasure principle

Demands instant gratification

Stays in unconscious mind

40
Q

Describe the ego

A

Develops at age 2-3

Acts on the reality principle

The ‘judge’

Employs defence mechanisms

Delays gratification of the Id

41
Q

Describe the superego

A

Develops around age 5

Acts on morality principle

Makes us feel guilt

Gives us morals

42
Q

What are the three defence mechanisms?

A

Repression, displacement, denial

43
Q

What are the psychosexual stages and when do they occur?

A

Oral- 0-1

Anal- 1-3

Phallic- 3-5

Latency- 5-puberty

Genital- puberty onwards

44
Q

What are the conflicts of each psychosexual stage?

A

Oral- weaning, especially breast feeding

Anal- toilet training

Phallic- Oedipus or Electra complex

Latency- represses earlier conflicts, defense mechanisms

Genital- sexual desires become conscious

45
Q

What happens if there is an unresolved issue at the oral stage?

A

Oral fixation- smoking, nail biting, sarcasm

46
Q

What happens if there is an unresolved issue at the anal stage?

A

Anally retentive- perfectionist, obsessive

Analysts expulsive- thoughtless, messy

47
Q

What happens if there is an unresolved issue at the phallic stage?

A

Phallic personality- narcissistic, reckless, possible homosexuality

48
Q

What happens if there is an unresolved issue at the latency stage

A

Nothing

49
Q

What happens if there is an unresolved issue at the genital stage

A

Struggle to form healthy heterosexual relationships

50
Q

What is the electra complex?

A

When a girl develops and unconscious, sexual love for her father during the phallic stage and becomes hostile towards her mother.

This comes from the girl believing she was castrated in the womb and blames the mother for this and develops ‘penis envy’

51
Q

How does a girl overcome the electra complex?

A

They IDENTIFY with their mother, and takes on her morals and attitudes. This leads to her developing a superego

52
Q

What is the Oedipus complex?

A

When during the phallic stage a boy becomes sexually attracted to their mother, and is jealous of his fathers relationship with her.

The boy is worried is worried the father will find out about this attraction and castrate the boy

53
Q

How does a boy overcome thr the Oedipus complex?

A

To cope with the anxiety he IDENTIFIES with the father, and takes on his morals and attitudes

This causes the boy to develop a superego

The boy substitutes his love of his mother for love of other women.

54
Q

What is supporting evidence for the Oedipus complex?

A

Little hans was particularly sacred of white horses with black spots and blinkers and black harnesses which mirror his father who had glasses and a moustache.

55
Q

What are two strengths of the psychodynamic approach?

A

S- had a big influence on modern psychology- Freud was the first to link between childhood experiences and later behaviour. This lead to people understanding mental illnesses and phobias better so they could do something about it.

S- practical applications- Freud was one of the first to attempt to diagnose mental disorders by analysing the mind of the patients. This lead to lead to the creation of psychoanalysis as a therapy.

56
Q

What are limitations of the psychodynamic approach?

A

L- relies on case study method- a lot of the research for this theory came from little Hans who may have just been a unique individual. This means it has poor generalisability and would be hard to replicate.

L- very unscientific- been called a ‘pseudoscience’ as it doesn’t meet the scientific criteria of falsification as it cannot be proved wrong. This is because the theory relies on the unconscious so they cannot be proven- it also relies on subjective opinion

57
Q

What are the basic assumptions of the humanistic approach?

A

- focuses on the ‘right’ about people, so is considered a positive approach

- believes in free will (holism) (not deterministic)

- emphasises the importance of the individual striving towards personal growth and fulfilment

58
Q

What is Maslow’s hierarchy of needs

A

Emphasises the importance of personal growth and fulfilment.

Each level must be fulfilled before moving onto the next.

59
Q

Go through the hierarchy from top to bottom

A

Self actualisation

Esteem (confidence, respect)

Love/belonging (friends, family)

Safety (employment, body)

Physiological needs (water, food)

60
Q

What is a limitation of that hierarchy of needs?

A

L- cultural differences- Nevis did a study in China which showed that self actualisation referred more to serving the community rather than personal development. individualistic vs collectivist cultures

61
Q

What are Rogers ‘two selves’

A

The self concept

The ideal self

62
Q

What is the ‘self-concept’

A

The self you feel you are- this is affected by our self esteem. This develops in childhood as a result of interactions with parents and later on peers

63
Q

What is the ‘ideal self’

A

The self you wish you were

64
Q

What is congruence?

A

When a persons self concept and ideal self are similar. This is very difficult to achieve

65
Q

What did rogers believe about Self actualisation

A

To achieve this a person must be congruent.

66
Q

What did rogers believe about the role of parents in congruency

A

He believes the lack of unconditional positive regard (always viewing someone as a good person even if they do something bad) from parents can cause low self esteem. Which can stop someone becoming congruent later in life

67
Q

What did Harter (1996) find?

A

Someone who suffers from CONDITIONAL POSITIVE REGARD are more likely to display ‘false self behaviour’ to meet others expectations. People who do this are more likely to suffer with depression

68
Q

what are the limitations of the humanistic approach

A

low internal validity- relies on highly subjective self-report measures and uses no highly controlled variables

lack of real world application- therapy claims it promotes 'personal growth' but it is hard to sjhow the therapy caused this. life events can occur during therapy which highly effect results. being able to establish cause and effect is a key part of making psychology a science- shows it is unscientific

hard to measure- hard to measure concepts such as self worth or congruence as they cannot be objectively measured on a numerical scale etc

69
Q

what three categories did Wundt divide his observations into

A

thoughts

images

sensations

70
Q

why does wundts experiment have good internal validity

A

the stimuli were presented to every participant in the same way and in the same order

done in a lab so no extraneous variables

71
Q

why is SLT seen as accounting for cognitive role in learning (AO3)

A

meditational processes.

bandora- 'from observing others one forms an idea of how new behaviours are performed, and on later occasions this coded information serves as a guide for action.

behaviourist approach doesn't explain enough about behaviour on their own

72
Q

Why can SLT be seen as too simplistic (AO3)

A

Ignores biological factors- bandora thought learning was determined by environment. research shows importance of mirror neurons in observational learning.

73
Q

what is the most important theoretical model in cognitive approach

A

information processing approach- input, storage, retrieval shows how information flows through cognitive system.

74
Q

what is the difference between theoretical and computer models

A

computer- concrete

theoretical- abstract

75
Q

what has cognitive neuroscience led to

A

understanding types of memory (Buckner and Peterson)

link between parahippocampal gyrus and OCD

'brain fingerprinting'

future application- see if Eye witnesses are being truthful by their brain wave patterns.

76
Q

what have computer and theoretical m models led to

A

development of 'thinking machines'- AI

77
Q

what are the real world applications of cognitive approach (ao3)

A

AI

CBT

improved EWT

78
Q

why can cognitive psychology be seen as too abstract (ao3)

A

focus on inferring mental processes instead of actual observation (John Locke)

uses research with artificial stiumli like word lists.

79
Q

what proves cognitive psychology suffers from machine reductionism (ao3)

A

anxiety's effect on EWT

80
Q

what are the four parts of the biological approach

A

neurochemical explanations

genetic explanations

genotype and phenotype

evolution of behaviour

81
Q

what re examples of neurochemical effects on behaviour

A

low serotonin in OCD

high dopamine in schizophrenia

82
Q

what re used to measure genetic influence on behaviour

A

twin studies

83
Q

what is contradictory evidence for the biological approach (ao3)

A

cipriani compared 21 antidepressants and found a wide variety of effectiveness, concluded that antidepressants are 'mainly modest' meaning there must be other causes for depression

84
Q

what does the ego play a part in developing

A

defence mechanisms

(repression, denial, replacement)

85
Q

what shows the psychodynamic approach doesn't have good real world application.

A

psychoanalytical therapy only works for mild disorders and dopant help and can harm those with disorders such as schizophrenia as they cannot articulate their thoughts.

86
Q

why is the humanistic approach an example of a 'person centred approach'

A

believes everyone has free will and are individual and different so psychology should look at subjective experience not general laws.

87
Q

what did rogers develop to close gap between self concept and ideal self

A

client-centred therapy (counselling)

88
Q

what did rogers believe caused low self esteem

A

conditional positive regard from parents

89
Q

why is the humanistic approach not reductionist (ao3)

A

advocates holism where the whole person can be used to interpret subjective experience. may give it more validity than reductionist approaches as it considers meaningful human behaviour in a real world context

90
Q

why is the humanistic approach positive (ao3)

A

brings the person back into psychology. sees people as good and focuses on self Improvement. contrasts approaches like psychodynamic where people are seen as prisoners of the past.

91
Q

what are the 5 ways to compare approaches

A

views on development

nature vs nurture

reductionism

determinism

explanation and treatment of psychological disorders

Psychology (13 decks)

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