approaches- comparison of approaches

Question 1

behaviourist approach to development

Answer 1

-processes that underpin learning are continuous, occurring at any stage

Question 2

social learning theory on development

Answer 2

same as behaviourist processes that underpin learning continuous, occur at any stage

Question 3

cognitive approach to development

Answer 3

stage theories of child development, particularly idea of increasingly complex schema as child gets older

Question 4

biological approach to development

Answer 4

genetically determined maturational changes influence behaviour e.g. cognitive/intellectual development

Question 5

psychodynamic approach to development

Answer 5

most coherent theory of development tying concepts and processes to age-related changes. no change after genital stage

Question 6

humanistic approach to development

Answer 6

development of the self is ongoing throughout life. childhood is particularly important period e.g. parents provide unconditional positive regard

Question 7

behaviourist approach to nature versus nurture

Answer 7

-babies born ‘blank slate’ (tabula rasa) at birth
-all behaviour result of learned associations and reinforcements

Question 8

social learning theory on nature versus nurture

Answer 8

same as behaviourist but also observation and imitation

Question 9

cognitive approach to nature versus nurture

Answer 9

many of our info processing abilities and schema are innate but are constantly refined by experience

Question 10

biological approach to nature versus nurture

Answer 10

behaviour stems from genetic blueprint we inherit from our parents (genotype), though expression of this is influenced by the environment (phenotype)

Question 11

psychodynamic approach to nature versus nurture

Answer 11

much of behaviour driven by biological drivers and instincts, but also a child’s relationships with its parents are crucial

Question 12

humanistic approach to nature versus nurture

Answer 12

parens, friends and wider society have a critical impact on the person’s self-concept

Question 13

behaviourist approach to reductionism

Answer 13

reduces complex learning into stimulus-response units for ease of testing in controlled lab environment

Question 14

social learning theory on reductionism

Answer 14

recognises how cognitive factors interact with external environment

Question 15

cognitive approach to reductionism

Answer 15

use of computer analogy which ignores the role of human emotion (machine reductionist)

Question 16

biological approach to reductionism

Answer 16

reduces and explains human behaviour at the level of the gene or neuron

Question 17

psychodynamic approach to reductionism

Answer 17

reduces behaviour to the influence of biological drives, although also sees personality as a dynamic, holistic interaction between Id, Ego and Superego

Question 18

humanistic approach to reductionism

Answer 18

anti-reductionist, based on holistic investigation of all aspects of the individual

Question 19

behaviourist approach to determinism

Answer 19

all behaviour is environmental determined by external forces that we cannot control, e.g. operant conditioning (hard determinism)

Question 20

social learning theory on determinism

Answer 20

we are influenced by our environment and also exert some influence upon it (reciprocal determinism)

Question 21

cognitive approach to determinism

Answer 21

suggests we are the ‘choosers’ of our own behaviour, but only within the limits of era we know (soft determinism)

Question 22

biological approach to determinism

Answer 22

such of our behaviour directed by innate influences (genetic determinism)

Question 23

psychodynamic approach to determinism

Answer 23

unconscious forces diving our behaviour (psychic determinism) and thee are rationalised by our conscious minds

Question 24

humanistic approach to determinism

Answer 24

human beings have free will and are active agents who determine their own development

Question 25

behaviourist explanation and treatment of abnormal/atypical behaviour

Answer 25

-abnormality arises from faulty learning
-behavioural therapies aim to condition new more healthy behaviour

Question 26

social learning theory explanation and treatment of abnormal/atypical behaviour

Answer 26

principles such as modelling have been used to explain (and reduce), for example aggressive behaviour

Question 27

cognitive explanation and treatment of abnormal/atypical behaviour

Answer 27

cognitive therapies, such as CBT used in the treatment of depression, aim to eradicate faulty thinking

Question 28

biological explanation and treatment of abnormal/atypical behaviour

Answer 28

psychoactive drugs that regulate chemical imbalances in the brain have revolutionised the treatment of mental disorders

Question 29

psychodynamic explanation and treatment of abnormal/atypical behaviour

Answer 29

-anxiety disorders emerge from unconscious conflicts and overuse of defence mechanisms
-psychoanalysis aims to put people in touch with their unconscious thoughts

Question 30

humanistic explanation and treatment of abnormal/atypical behaviour

Answer 30

humanistic therapy, or counselling, is based on the ida that reducing incongruence will stimulate personal growth