Approaches

Question 1

Key Concepts of the Behaviourist Approach

Answer 1

• Development is continuous at all ages
• Behaviour NOT Cognitive Processes
• Observation
• Lab Studies
• Classical Conditioning
• Operant Conditioning
• Learning through consequences
• Blank slate at birth (then association and reinforcement)
• Reductionist
• Deterministic
• Symptom based approach to treatment

Question 2

Key Concepts of the Social Learning Theory

Answer 2

• Development is continuous at all ages
• Learning occurs indirectly
• Vicarious reinforcement
• Identification with role models
• Banduras research
• Blank slate at birth (then observation + imitation)

Question 3

Key Concepts of the Cognitive Approach

Answer 3

• Cognitive Processes NOT Behaviour
• Inference
• Theoretical and Computer models
• Schema
• Cognitive Neuroscience
• Stage theories of child development
• Information processing is innate but constantly refined by the environment
• Machine reductionism
• Soft determinism
• Led to development of CBT
• Mind is separate from the brain

Question 4

Key Concepts of the Biological Approach

Answer 4

• Everything psychological is first biological
• Behaviour has a genetic + neurochemical basis
• Mind and body are one and the same
• Twin studies
• Genotype and Phoenotype
• Theory of evolution
• Development is genetically determined
• “Anatomy is destiny”
• Reductionist
• Genetic determinism
• Psychoactive drugs

Question 5

Key Concepts of the Psychodynamic Approach

Answer 5

• Unconscious mind
• Tripartite structure of personality
• Psychosexual stages
• Defence mechanisms
• Driven by biological influences but relationship with parents is important
• Reduces behaviour but sees personality as holistic interaction
• Psychic determinism
• Psychoanalysis aims to stop people in touch with their unconscious thoughts

Question 6

Key Concepts of the Humanistic Approach

Answer 6

• Maslows hierarchy of needs
• Focus on the self
• Rogers therapy
• Lasting influence om counselling
• Development is ongoing
• Patients, friends + wider society have a critical impact
• Anti-reductionist holistic view
• Free will non deterministic
• Humanistic therapy is based on the idea that reducing incongruence will stimulate personal growth