Approaches - Advanced Information Flashcards
1
Q
Discuss the behaviourist approach
AO1
A
- Behaviour is learnt via association and consequence
- Idea behaviour can be scientifically and directly observed
- ‘Tabula rasa’ – blank slate in which environment influences
- Classical conditioning - UCS UCR, UCS + NS UCR, CS CR
- Pavlov – dogs
- Operant Conditioning – consequence and reinforcement
o Positive and negative
o Skinner Box – rats and pigeons
2
Q
Discuss the behaviourist approach
AO3
A
- Scientific credibility, language of natural sciences applied to psych. Emphasis on science and focus on observable behaviour. Hugely influential in development of Psychology as a scientific discipline
- There are limitations in the generalising of the approach. Animals used in research so makes it difficult to generalise findings to humans. However, there are some real-world applications. E.g., token economies in prisons used to increase desirable behaviour. This increases ecological validity
- Reductionist – breaks down behaviour into a stimuli and response. Ignores complexities.
- Environmentally determinist – doesn’t consider free will. Despite society being built on this. (CJS)
3
Q
Discuss social learning theory
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A
- Albert Bandura agreed about learning behaviour however said that we can also learn behaviour from other (imitate) within a social context
- Bobo doll research – children 3-5 watched adult behaviour with bobo doll (aggressive, non-aggressive). Found imitated the adults
- Identification – fine a role model – similar characteristics, attractive, high status, not necessarily in same environment
- Mediational processes – attention, retention, motivation, and motor reproduction
4
Q
Discuss social learning theory
AO3
A
- Bandura – gender differences – boys more aggressive- higher levels of testosterone- therefore other factors that could be biological
- More comprehensive. Recognises role of MPs + conditioning. Less determinist. Bandura – reciprocal determinism- we influence environment.
- Higher level of control used lab studies. However, reduces validity. Demand characteristics. Can’t apply to real life. Reduces ecological validity.
- Cultural differences – how norms transmitted through society – children’s understanding of gender roles.
5
Q
Discuss the psychodynamic approach
AO1
A
- Unconscious makes up most of our mind though we are unaware
- Role of the unconscious – has significant influence on our behaviour and personality
- contains threatening memories that have been repressed (memories unconsciously blocked due to association with trauma/stress)
- can access in dreams/ ‘slip of the tongue’ - parapraxes
- Tripartite – id (pleasure) immediate gratification (birth) selfish – ego (2) reality - balance between both- superego end of phallic (5) (moral) punishes ego. Guilt
6
Q
Discuss the psychodynamic approach
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A
- Case studies – applied to all
- Falsification -can’t empirically test – particularly unconscious part of the brain that we cannot/is difficult to access. Pseudoscience.
- Psychoanalysis – therapy. E.g., hypnosis. Success with mild neuroses. However inappropriately used on those with certain mental disorders (schizophrenia)
7
Q
Discuss the humanistic approach
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A
- Free will – decide own behaviour
- Idiographic – based on individuals without making general law – unique
- Not scientific – unique so impossible to compare/make general law
- Self-actualisation – strive to be out best version of ourselves
- Three parts – real self (reality), ideal self (want to be), self-concept (perceive ourselves)
- Congruence – where ideal self same as self-concept – therefore have self-actualised
8
Q
Discuss the humanistic approach
AO3
A
- Not scientific – rejects science. Idiographic so doesn’t establish general laws. Which are important in scientific research. Therefore, fails to meet aims of psychology as a scientific discipline
- Application. Client centred therapy. Rogers – refer to patient as client, unconditional positive regard. Changed form of psychotherapy in UK and USA
- Brings person back to psychology. +tive image of human condition. Sees all people as good and that they can change. Preferred by many psychologists.
