Approaches And Perspectives

Question 1

Individual differences approach (cognitive)

Answer 1

Assumes all human beings are unique/ different in terms of intelligence, personality, lifestyles etc. These differences make it difficult to categorise behaviour. 
Methods: case studies/ quasi 
Example: Thigpen and Cleckly (eve white)
Rosenhan (pseudo patients hosp)  
Grithiths- (gambling)

Question 2

Social approach-

Answer 2

Assumes our behaviour is a result of interactions with the environment and other people. The effects of groups on out behaviour as we do because of situational factors allowed to individual. Behaviour is determined by interactions in the environment.
Example studies: Milgrim (shock obedience) Piliavin (train) x

Question 3

Developmental approach

Answer 3

Assumes that the way we think and behave changes over our lifespans and that behaviour or abilities develop in stages.
Tends to be lab experiments/longitudinal/snapshot
Example studies: Freud, Samuel and Bryant(conserve),

Question 4

Cognitive approach

Answer 4

Assumes behaviour can be explained in terms of how the mind operates/ processes information. In this way the mind works similarly To a computer: storing, processing and retrieving data. the cognitive approach looks at differences/defects in processing.
Examples: loftus n Palmer(word change car accident), Baron Cohen ( eye task)

Question 5

Physiological Approach

Answer 5

Suggests all behaviour has a biological basis, and that all we do is influenced by our biology such as genetics, brain damage or neurotransmitters. All behaviours, thoughts and feelings have a physical or biological cause, so differences in behaviour are innate and not learned.
Example: Raine

Question 6

Behaviourist perspective

Answer 6

Assumes that all behaviours are learned from the environment, through either classical conditioning (through association), operant conditioning (rewards and punishment) or social learning theory (imitation). Behaviourists suggest when we are born we are a blank slate and all behaviours are learnt after birth.
Examples: Watson and Taylor (rat n loud noise little Albert) Mcgarth (systematic desensitisation with 9 yr old girl)

Question 7

Psychodynamic perspective

Answer 7

Definition- assumes all human behaviour can be explained in terms of inner conflicts of the mind (ie the unconscious)
-the structure of the mind involves the unconscious and the conscious
-problems behaviours are often due to unconscious fears, desires or conflicts, usually from childhood.
Methods used: tend to be case studies
example: little Hans (Freud)