Approaches Flashcards
What are the different approaches
Behaviour Social learning theory Cognitive Biological Bipsychology Psychodynamic Humanistic
What are the key features of the behaviourist approach
- observable behaviour only
- lab experiments
- advocate use of animals
- classical conditioning
- operant conditioning
- positive reinforcement, negative reinforcement and punishment
Why was introspection rejected by behaviourists
Concepts were vague and difficult to measure
Why did behaviourists use lab experiments
They tried to maintain more control and objectivity
What is introspection
Studying and reporting thought processes
Why do behaviourists advocate the use of animals in research
The processes that govern learning are the same in all species so non human animals can replace humans as experimental subjects
How do you learn classical conditioning
Through association
How does classical conditioning work
Before conditioning: unconditioned response to unconditioned stimulus.
During conditioning:
Neutral stimulus and unconditioned stimulus presented at same time.
After conditioning:
The neutral stimulus before a conditioned stimulus and produces a conditioned response
What did Skinner suggest that learning is
An active process whereby humans and animals operate on their environment
In operant conditioning what is behaviour done
Shaped and maintained by its consequence
What is positive reinforcement
Receiving a reward when a behaviour is performed
What is negative reinforcement
When an animal or humans produces a behaviour that avoids something unpleasant
What is punishment
An unpleasant consequence of behaviour
What do positive reinforcement, negative reinforced and punishment do
P and N reinforment increase the likelihood that bevaiour will be repeated and punishment decreases the liklihood of the behaviour
Procedure of Skinner study
Experiment with rats in specially designed cages. Animals were kept at about three quarters of normal weight to ensure it was hungry. All aspects were controlled.
Every time the rat pulled a lever it was rewarded with food.
In other variations the rat had to perform the behaviour to avoid unpleasant stimulus like electric shock.
Key study for operant conditioning
Skinners box
Findings of Skinners box
Rewards led to behaviour being repeated (positive reinforcement)
Negative reinforment led to repeated behaviour to avoid negative stimulus
Study for classical conditioning
Pavlov
Procedure of pavlovs study
Before learning food ( UCS) would produce the innate response of salivation (UCR).
During learning Pavlov would sound a bell ( NS) every time he presented the dog with food. This was done multiple times
Findings of Pavlovs study
After learning the dog would salivate (CR) every time the bell was presented on its own (CS).
Through classical conditioning the dog has learnt to associate the sound of the bell with food.
Limitation of the behaviourist approach
Using animals has ethical issues. Skinners box allowed behaviourists a high degree of control however Animals involved were exposed to stressful conditionings which may have effected how they reacted to the experimental situation. Means validity of findings might be questionable.
Strength of behaviourist approach (prisons)
Real world applications. Token economy systems (based on OC) have been used successfully in prisons. These work by rewarding appropriate behaviour with tokens can be exchanged for privledges. Therefore there’s a good application to help behaviour
Limitation of behaviourist approach (mechanistic)
Based on mechanistic view of behaviour. Says we have little conscious insight into our behaviour. Other approaches such as social learning theory and cognitive approach char placed more emphasis on mental events that occur during learning. May suggest that people okay a much more active role in their own learning than the behaviourists day.
Key features of social learning theory
- learning occurs indirectly
- observing consequences of behaviour
- mediational (cognitive) processes play crucial role
- recognised distinction between learning and performance
- identification with role roles
- two types of modelling
What is vicarious reinforcement (bandura)
Reinforcement which is not directly experienced but occurs through observing someone else being reinforced for a behaviour. This is a key factor in imitation
What is social learning theory the bridge between
The cognitive approach and behaviourism
What are mediational processes
Cognitive factors that influence learning and come between stimulus and response (SLT)
What are the four mediational processes
Attention - behaviour is noticed
Retention - whether behaviour is remembered
Motor reproduction - ability of the observer to perform the behaviour
Motivation - the will to perform the behaviour
What is a contrast between behaviourism and social learning theory
Learning and performance of behaviour may not necessarily occur together (SLT)
What are role models
Children are more likely to imitate the behaviour of people with whom they identify. These are role models: people who have qualities we would like to have and we identify with, this we model or imitate their behaviour and attitudes
What is modelling from the observers perspective
It is imitating the behaviour of a role model
What is modelling from the role models perspective
Demonstrating behaviour that may be imitated by an observer
Who was the researcher for both studies in social learning theory
Bandura
Procedure of Banduras study of role models
In the lab, children aged 3-5 years watched a film of an adult behaving aggressively towards a Bobo doll.
Second experimental group of children watched an adult interact normally with bobo doll.
Children then led into a room and given toys to play with including a bobo doll. Behaviour towards doll recorded
Findings of bandura study into role models
Found differences in behaviour between groups. Aggressive group imitated specific actions they had previously seen and repeating some words like ‘pow’.
Conclusions of Banduras study into role models
Children immitate the behaviour of role models even when such behaviour is aggressive.
Who did the study into vicarious reinforcement
Bandura
Procedure of Banduras study into vicarious reinforcement
Similar to original study but with three groups of children watching.
Group 1: children saw adult praised for aggressive behaviour
Group 2: saw adult punished
Group 3: saw no consequence
Findings of Banduras study into vicarious reinforcement
When given own bobo doll: group 1 showed the most aggression followed by group 3 and then 2.
Conclusions of Banduras study into vicarious reinforcement
Suggests that imitation of behaviour is more likely if the role model has been rewarded for their actions. This shows the importance of vicarious reinforcement in the learning of behaviour
Strength of social learning theory
Emphasises importance of cognitive factors in learning. Behaviourism can’t offer a comprehensive account of human learning because cognitive factors are ommitted. Animals store information about others and use this to make judgements about when to perform certain actions. SLT provides a more convincing explanation of human learning than behaviourism by recognising the importance of mediational processes.
Weakness of SLT (lab)
Many of Banduras ideas were developed through observation of children in lab settings raising the problem of demand characteristics. In bobo doll experiment the main purpose of the doll is to hit it so children may have been behaving in a way that they thought was expected. Thus the research may tell us little about his children learn aggression in everyday life.
Weakness of SLT (Biological)
Underestimates influence of biological factors. In bobo doll experiments boys showed more aggression than girls. May be explained by hormonal factors such as different levels of testosterone which has been linked to aggression. Means that Bandura May have overlooked the important influence of biological factors on social learning
Strength of SLT ( less determinist)
SLT is less determinist than the behaviourist approach. Bandura emphasised reciprocal determinism. This suggests that there is some free will in the way we behave. This is more realistic and flexible position than suggested by the behaviourist approach as it recognises the role we play in shaping our own environment
What is reciprocal determinism
A persons behaviour both influences and is influenced by personal factors and the environment
Key features of the cognitive approach
- internal mental processes
- role of inference in the study of mental processes
- theoretical models used
- computer models used
- idea of schema is central
- cognitive neuroscience
What does the cognitive approach investigated that was neglected by behaviourism
Perception and memory
Why does the cognitive approach have to make inferences
Mental process s are private and cannot be observer so cognitive psychologists study them indirectly
What is an important theoretical model in the cognitive approach
The information processing approach which suggests that information flows through a sequence of stages that include input, storage and retrieval like in the multi-store model
What is the information processing approach
Any theory that equates the mind to a computer: input, processing and output of information
What is the computer analogy in the cognitive approach
There are similarities in the way computers and human minds process information.
Example of the computer analogy in the cognitive approach
The use of a central processor (the brain), the changing of information into a usable code and the use of ‘stores’ to hold information
What are schemas
Packages of information developed through experience. They act as a mental framework for the interpretation of incoming information received by the cognitive system.
What are babies born with
Simple motor schemas for innate behaviours such as sucking and grasping. As we get older our schema becomes more detailed and sophisticated
What is cognitive neuroscience
Scientific study of the influence of brain structures (‘neuro’) on mental processes (thinking I.e cognition)
With advances of brain scanning techniques in the last 20 years, what have scientists been able to describe
The neurological basis of mental processing this includes research into memory that had linked episodic and semantic memories to opposite sides of the prefrontal cortex
Strength of the cognitive approach
Uses scientific and objective methods. Cognitive psychologists have always employed controlled and rigorous methods of study like lab experiments. Enabled two fields of biology and cognitive psychologists to come together. Means that the study of the mind has established a credible, scientific basis
Weakness of cognitive approach (reductionism)
Based on machine reductionism. Although there are similarities between the human mind and a computer the computer analogy has been criticised. Human emotion has been shown to influence accuracy of recall but there factors are not considered with the computer analogy. Therefore cognitive approach oversimplifies human processing and ignores important aspects that influence performance
Strength of conflictive approach (real life)
Application of key concepts to real life. Cognitive approach is dominant in psychology today and has been applied to a wide range of practical and theoretical contexts. It had made important contribution to the field of artificial intelligence and the development of thinking machines (robot). These exciting advances are likely to revolutionise how we live in the future
Weakness of cognitive approach (validity)
Lacks validity. Only able to infer mental processes from the behaviour they observe in labs, so the approach sometimes suffer from being too abstract and theoretical. Research is often carried out using artificial stimulus such as recall of word lists in studies of memory which may not represent everyday experience. Therefore research into cognitive processes may lack external validity
Key features of the biological approach
- everything psychological is at first biological
- behaviour has a genetic and neurochemical basis
- mind and body being one and the same
- twin studies are important
- different between genotype and phenotype
- Darwin’s theory of evolution to explain behaviour
In biological approach give examples of biological structures and processes within the body
Genes
Neurochemistry
Nervous system
What do behaviour geneticists study
Whether behaviour characteristics such as intelligence are inherited like physical characteristics like eye colour
What can neurochemistry explain
Behaviour for example low levels of serotonin are associated with OCD
How does the biological approach contrast with the cognitive approach
For a biological approach the mind lives in the brain meaning all thoughts, feelings and behaviours have a physical basis. Cognitive sees the mind as separate form the brain g
How are twin studies important in investigating the genetic basis of behaviour in the biological approach
Determines the extent to which some characteristics have a genetic basis by comparing concordant rates. Higher concordance rates among identical twins than non-identical twins tend to be evidence of a genetic basis
What are concordance rates
Extent to which both twins share the same characteristics
What are identical twins called
Monozygotic
What are non identical twins called
Dizygotic
What is the difference between genotype and phenotype
Genotype is their actual genetic makeup whereas phenotype is the way the genes are expressed through physical, behavioural and psychological characteristics
What is the phenotype influenced by
Environmental factors
What does genotype and phenotype suggest
That much of human behaviour depends on the interaction of nature and nurture
Example of phenotype overriding genotype through environmental influences
PKU (phenylketunuria) is an inherited condition which can lead to severe learning difficulties if left unchecked however if the child is placed on special diet they will develop normally
Describe Darwin’s theory of natural selection
Any genetically determined behaviour that enhanced survival will be passed on to future generations.
Such genes are described as adaptive and gives the possessor certain advantages.
Attachment behaviours in new burns promote survival and are therefore adaptive and naturally selected
Strength of the biological approach
Increased understanding of biochemical processes in the brain has led to the development of defence that treat serious mental disorders like depression. Although these are not effective for all patients they have revalutionised treatment for many. Means that sufferers can manage their condition and live a relatively normal life.
Strength of biological approach (methods)
Scientific methods of investigation. Includes scanning techniques such as FMRI and EEG, twin studies and dug trials. With advances in technology it is possible to accurately measure biological processes in ways that are not bias. Means the biological approach is based on reliable data
Limitation of biological approach (determinism)
It’s deterministic. Sees humans who are governed by biological causes we have no control over. This is at odds with the legal system which sees offenders as personally and morally responsible for their actions. The discovery of a ‘criminal gene’ may suggest that some people are not acting freely complicating the legal system. This has implications for wider society as criminals may be able to excuse their behaviour
What is the nervous system
Specialised network of cells and the primary communication system in the body
What are the two main functions of the nervous system
To collect, process and respond to information in the environment.
To co-ordinate the working of different organs and cells in th body.
What is the nervous system divided into
Central nervous system
Peripheral nervous system
What is the CNS made up of
Brain
Spinal cord
What is the brain
Centre of all conscious awareness
What is the outer layer of the brain called
Cerebral cortex
Functions of cerebral cortex
Distinguished our higher mental functions from those of animals
What is the spinal cord
Extension of the brain and is responsible for reflex actions
What does the spinal cord do
Passes messages to and from the brain to the nerves to the PNS
What does the PNS do
Transmits messages, via millions of neurons to and from the nervous system
What is the PNS divided into
Autonomic nervous system
Somatic nervous system
What does the ANS do
Governs vital functions in the body such as breathing, heart rate, digestion, sexual arousal and straw responses.
What does the SNS do
Controls muscle movement and receives information from sensory receptors
How does the endocrine system work
Alongside the nervous system to control vital functions in the body through the release of hormones. It works much more slowly than the nervous system but has widespread and powerful effects
What do glands produce
Hormones
What is the major endocrine gland
The pituitary gland located in the brain.
Why is the pituaitsry gland called the ‘master gland’
It controls the release of hormones from all other endocrine glands in the body
What do hormones do
They are secreted into the bloodstream and affect any cell in the body that has a receptor for that particular hormone
Example of the endocrine system in action
Thyroxine produced by the thyroid gland affects cells in the heart and also cells throughout the body which increases metabolic rate. This in turn affects growth rates
When do the endocrine system and the autonomic nervous system work in parallel
During a stressful event
WhT are the two branches in the ANS
Sympathetic
Parasympathetic
Outline the endocrine and the ANS working together during a strsssful event
Stressor perceived.
Hypothalamus triggers activity in the sympathetic branch of ANS.
ANS changes from resting state (parasympathetic) to the physiologically aroused sympathetic state.
Stress hormone adrenaline is realised from adrenal medulla into blood stream.
This triggers changes in the body like increased heart rate (fight or flight response)
Once threat has passed the parasympathetic returns body to its testing state.
Why is the parasympathetic response sometimes referred to as the ‘rest and digest’ response
Because it acts as a ‘brake’ and reduced the activities of the body that were increased by the actions of the sympathetic branch
What percentage of neurons are located in the brain
80%
How do neurons transmit signals
Electrically and chemically
What are the theee types of neurons
Motor neurons
Sensory neurons
Relay neurons
Characteristics of motor neurons
Connect CNS to effectors such as muscles and glands.
Short dendrites and long axons.
Characteristics of sensory neurons
Carry messages from PNS to the CNS.
Long dendrites and short axons.
Characteristics of relay neurons
Connect sensory neurons to motor neurons or other relay neurons.
Short dendrites and short axons
What is the basic structure of a neuron
Cell body includes a nucleus.
Branch like structures called dendrites protrude from cell body.
Axon covered in fatty layer of myelin sheath to protect it.
Gaps in axon called nodes of Ranvier.
End of axoncare terminal buttons.
What does he nucleus contain
Genetic material of the cell
What do dendrites do
Carry nerve impulses from neighbouring neurons towards the cell body
What does the axon do
Carries electrical impulse away from cell body and down the length of neuron
What do birds of Ranvier do
Speed up the transmission of the impulse
What do the terminal buttons at the end of the axon do
Communicate with the next neuron in the chain across a gap called the synapse
When a neuron is in a resting state what is the inside of the cell compared to the outside
Negatively charged
When does an action potential occur
When a neuron is activated the inside of the cell becomes positively charged for a split second causing it to occur. This creates an electrical impulse hat travels down the axon towards the end of the neuron
What is an action potential
A short increase and decrease of electrical activity in the membrane of a neuron, transmitting a signal away from the cell body
What is a synapse
Gap between the post synaptic and pre-synaptic
When are signals transmitted electrically or chemically
signals within neurons are electrically transmitted whereas between neurons they are chemically transmitted
When the electrical impulse reaches the end of the neuron what does it do
Triggers the release of neurotransmitters from tiny sacs called synaptic vesicles
What is the presynaptic terminal
The end of the transmitting neuron, ending at synapse
What are neurotransmitters
Chemicals that diffuse across the synapse to the next neuron in the chain
Once the neurotransmitter cross the synapse ehat happens
It is taken up by the post-synaptic receptor site on the next neuron. The chemical message is converted back to an electrical impulse and the process of transmission begins again
What do each neurotransmitter have
Specific functions as each identified one has its own specific molecular structure that fits perfectly into the post-synaptic receptor site.
Example of neurotransmitter with a specific function
Acetylcholine (ACh) which is found st each point where a motor neuron meets a muscle causing a muscle to contract
What two kinds of effects can neurotransmitters have on neighbouring neurons
Excitatory or inhibitory
What kind of effect does adrenaline have
Excitatory. It increases the positive charge of the postsynsptic neuron making it more likely to fire.
What is excitation
When a neurotransmitter increases the positive charge of the post-synaptic neuron. Increases liklihood that the neuron will fire and pass on the electrical impulse
What is inhibition
When a neurotransmitter increases the negative charge of the post synaptic neuron. Defresss the liklihood that the neuron will fire and pass on the electrical impulse
What effect does serotonin have
Inhibitory. Increases the negative charge of the postsynaptic neuron making it less likely to fire.
What effect does dopamine have
It has both inhibitory and excitatory effects in roughly equal measure
What are the key features in the psychodynamic approach
- unconscious mind has influence on behaviour
- interaction between tripartite structure of personality: id,ego and superego determines behaviour
- five psychosexual stages that determine adult behaviour
- Oedipus complex at the phallic stage
- defence mechanisms are used by the ego to keep the id in check and reduce anxiety
According to Freud what is the mind made up of
The conscious - what we are aware of
Pre-conscious - thoughts and ideas we become aware of through dreams and slips of the tongue
The unconscious - a vast storehouse of biological drives and instincts
What is freuds view of the mind likened to
An iceberg
What is the id
Primitive part of the personality which operates in the pleasure principle and demands instant gratification of its need
What is the ego
Works on the reality principle and is the mediator between the other two parts of the tripartite
What is the super ego
Internalised sense of right and wrong. Based on the morality principle, it punished the ego through guild for wrongdoings
What did Freud argue about child development
It occurs in five stages. Each stage is marked by a different conflict that the child must resolve to move on to the next. Any conflict that is unresolved leads to fixation where the child becomes ‘stuck’ and carries behaviours associated with that stage through to adult life
What are he five stages Freud suggests
Oral stage - 0-1 year Anal stage - 1-3 years Phallic stage - 3-5 years Latency stage Genital stage - (puberty)
What is the oral stage
The focus of pleasure is on the mouth, the mothers breast is the object of desire. Too much or too little can lead to oral fixation later in life like nail biting
What is the anal stage
Focus of pleasures is in the anus, the child gains pleasure from withholding and eliminating faeces. Conflict here can lead to ‘anal retention’ like being mean or obsessesive or ‘anal retention’ like being messy
What is the phallic stage
Focus of pleasure is the genital area as the child experiences the Oedipus complex. Conflict may lead to a ‘phallic personality type’ like being homosexual.
What is the latency stages
Earlier conflicts are repressed
What is the genital stage
Sexual desires become conscious alongside the onset of puberty
What is the Oedipus complex
Little boy develop incestuous feelings towards their mother and a murderous hatred for their father. Eventually boys reprsss their feelings for their mother and identify with their father, taking on his gender role and moral values
What is the Electra complex
Girls experience penis envy - they desire their father and hate their mother. Girls give yo their desire for their father and replace this with a desire for a baby
What are defence mechanisms
Unconscious strategies that the ego uses to manage the conflict between the id and superego (conflict between what I want and what I really ought to do)
What are the three defence mechanisms Freud proposed
Repression - forcing a distressing memory out of the unconscious mind
Denial - refusing to acknowledge some aspects of reality
Displacement - transferring feelings from their true source onto a substitute target
What is the key study for the psychodynamic approach
Freud and the case of Little Hans
Procedure of Freud’s study of little Hans
Han was five years old and developed a phobia of horses after seeing one collapse in the street. Although Freud met Hans briefly most of the analysis was conducted through letters written by hans father
Findings of little Hans
Freud suggested that Hans phobia was a form of displacement in which his repressed fear of his father was transferred onto horses. Horses were merely a symbolic representation of Hans real unconscious fear: the fear of castration during the Oedipus complex.
Limitation of the psychodynamic approach (case studies)
Case study method has been criticised: critics suggested it is not possible to make universal claims about human behaviour based on studies of such a small number. Freud’s interpretations were highly subjective for example in Little Hans study it is unlikely that othe researchers would have reached the same conclusion. Freud’s method lacks scientific rigour.
Limitation of the psychodynamic approach (determinism)
Based on psychic determinism. Says that all behaviour even accidents are determined by unconscious conflicts that are rooted in childhood. Even something as a random slip of the tongue is driven by unconscious forces and has deep symbolic meaning. Extreme determinism and ignores any influence that free will will have on behaviour
Strength of the psychodynamic approach
Practical applications in the real world. Freud introduces new form of therapy: psychoanalysis. It is designed to access the uncsuous mind using a range of technique such as hypnosis and dream analysis. It is suitable for mild mental disorders but has been criticised as inspproaprste for severe mental disorders like schizophrenia. That said it is the forerunner to many modern day psycho therapies and ‘talking cures’ that has since been established
Key features of the humanistic psychology
- concept of free will
- working towards self actualisation
- focus on the self
- aim of therapy is to establish congruence between the self concept and the ideal self
- parents who impose conditions of worth may prevent personal growth
- lasting infleunce on counselling
What do humanistic psychologists claim
We are all unique and psychology should concern itself with the study of subjective experience rather than general laws - a person- centred approach
What is self actualisation
The desire to grow psychologically and fulfil ones potential - becoming what you are capable of
Who created the hierarchy of needs
Maslow
What does Maslow hierarchy of needs say
All four lower levels (deficiency needs) must be met before the individual can work towards self actualisation
What does the self refer to
Ideas and values that characterises ‘I’ and ‘me’ and includes perception of ‘what I am’ and ‘what I can do’. Focus on the self is a crucial component of humanistic therapy
Who argues that for personal growth to be achieved there must be congruence between concept of self and ideal self
Rogers
What is the ideal self
The person they want to be
If too big a gap between the two ‘selves’ exists what happens
The person will experience a state of incongruence, and self-actualisation will not be possible due to negative feelings of self-esteem
What is unconditional positive regard
Providing affection and respect without any conditions attached
What are some issues that csn br explained by a lack of unconditional positive regard
Worthlessness and low self-esteem
What is conditions of worth
When a parent places limits or boundaries on their love for their children; for instance, a parent saying to a child, ‘I will only love you if… you study medicine’ or ‘if you split up with that boy’
What do conditions of worth do to the children in the future
Created psychological problems
What is Rogers therapy called
Client-centred therapy
What does client- centred therapy say an effective therapist should provide the client with
Genuineness
Empathy
Unconditional positive regard
What is the aim of Rogerian therapy
Increase feelings of self-esteem and reduce incongruence between the self concept and the ideal self
The UK and US where are non-directive counselling used
Not only in clinical settings, but throughout education, health, social work and industry
Strength of humanistic psychology
Anti-reductionist. They reject any attempt to break behaviour into smaller components. They advocate holism. This approach may have more validity than its alternatives by considering meaningful human behaviour within its real life context
What is holism
The idea that subjective experience can only be understood by considering the whole person
Strength of humanistic psychology (optimistic)
Portrays a positive image of the human condition. They bring the person back into psychology and promote a positive image of the human condition - seeing people in control of their lives. Freud saw everyone as slaves to their past and claimed all of us existed between ‘common unhappiness and absolute despair’. Humanistic psychology offers a refreshing and optimistic alternative
Limitation of humanistic psychology
Western cultural bias. Many ideas that are central to humanistic psychology such as individual freedom, personal growth would be more associated with individualist cultures such as United States. Collectivist cultures such as India emphasises the need of groups and interdependence may not identify with the ideals and values of humanistic psychology. Possible the approach doesn’t travel well and it a product of the cultural context in which it was created.
Which approaches see learning as continuous
Behaviourist approach
Social learning theory
Which approaches use stage theories
Cognitive approach
What approach uses maturation as their view on development
Biological approach - genetically determined changes influence behaviour
Which approach presents the most coherent theory of development
Psychodynamic
Which approach see development of the self as ongoing throughout life
Humanistic
Which approaches is solely nurture based
Biological approach - ‘anatomy is destiny’
Which approaches are solely nurture based
Humanistic - environment and relationships have critical impact on the persons self-concept
Behaviourist and social learning theory - sees babies as blank slates and see all behaviour as learnt through associations and observations
Which approaches are a mix between nature and nurture
Cognitive approach - recognised information processing abilities are innate but refined through experience
Psychodynamic - much of behaviour is driven by biological drives but saw child’s relationship with its parent as crucial
Which approaches are reductionist
Behaviourism - breaks up complex learning into easy testing for the lab called environmental reductionism
Social learning theory - reduces learning to handful of key concept
Cognitive approach - machine reductionism through computer analogy and its ignores human emotion
Biological approach - Biological reductionism says behaviour is at the level of gene or neuron
Which approaches are more holistic
Psychodynamic approach - his description of personality as a dynamic interaction is holistic
Humanistic psychology - anti-reductionist, based on holistic investigation of all aspects of the individual
Which approach is seen as environmentally determined by external forces
Behaviourists
Which approach uses reciprocal determinism
Social learning theory (influenced by environment but we also exert some influence by the behaviour we choose to perform)
Which approach advocates a form of genetic determinism
Biological approach (much of our behaviour is directed by innate influences)
Which approach uses soft determinism
Cognitive approach (choosers of our own behaviour but only within limits of what we know)
Which approach uses psychic determinism
Psychodynamic (unconscious forces drive our behaviour and these are simply rationalised by our conscious minds)
Which approach believes in free will
Humanistic psychologies (we are active agents who determine their own development)
What do behaviourists see abnormality as
Arising from maladaptive or faulty learning
Therapy from behaviourists
Systematic desensitisation takes a symptom based approach to the unlearning of such behaviour
What social learning principles such as modelling been used to explain
The development of aggressive behaviour
What treatment did the cognitive approach lead to
CBT in the treatment of depression which aims to identity and eradicate faulty thinking
What had the biological approach revolutionised the treatment of
Mental disorders through the development of drug therapy which regulate chemical imbalances in the brain
What was Freud’s therapy developed to do
He saw anxiety disorders as emerging from unconscious conflicts and overuse of defence mechanisms.
He developed Psychoanalysis to put the individual in touch with their unconscious thoughts.
What is humanistic therapy based on
The idea that reducing incongruence will stimulate personal growth
What does eclecticism refer to
The combining of several approaches or methods to provide a more comprehensive account
What does the disthesis dress model account for
The fact that many mental disorders are a complex interaction of biology and environmental triggers
What is an advantage of the eclictic approach
Treatment of mental disorders. Combining treatment options from several different perspectives e.g drugs, cognitive therapy, family therapy has led to more effective outcomes for patients and lower relapse rates
