Approaches

Question 1

Main assumptions of the biological approach

Answer 1

• Behaviour, cognitions and emotions can be explained in terms of the working of the brain and the effect
  of hormones, genetics, and evolution.
• Similarities and differences between people can be understood in terms of biological factors and their interaction with other factors.

Question 2

Main assumptions of the cognitive approach

Answer 2

• Information is processed through the same route in all humans: input – process – output, in a similar way
  to how information is processed by a computer.
• People have individual differences in their cognitive processing, such as with attention, language, thinking
  and memory. These processes can also help to explain behavior and emotion.

Question 3

Main assumptions of the learning approach

Answer 3

• We all begin life as a blank slate. Experiences and interactions with the environment shape our behavior, and these changes are directly observable.
• We learn through the processes of operant conditioning, classical conditioning, and social learning. This
  can be understood using the stimulus-response model.

Question 4

Main assumptions of the social approach

Answer 4

• Behavior, cognitions, and emotions are influenced by social contexts, social environments, and groups.
• Behavior, cognitions, and emotions are influenced by the actual, implied, or imagined presence of others.