Approaches - Comparison of Approaches Flashcards
What is the psychodynamic approach’s view on development?
The psychodynamic approach presents the most coherent theory of development, tying its concepts and processes to specific psychosexual stages that are determined by age. For example, Freud stated that very little further development would occur when children enter the genital stage in their teen years.
What are the biological and cognitive approaches’ contributions to development?
The cognitive approach suggests that understanding of the world grows in complexity as part of a child’s intellectual development, while the biological approach links genetically determined changes (such as a child’s physiological status) to psychological and behavioral characteristics.
How do humanistic and behaviorist psychologists view development?
Humanistic psychologists see the development of the self as ongoing throughout life, with a child’s relationship with its parents seen as a key determinant of psychological health. In contrast, the behaviorist and social learning theories do not offer coherent stage theories but focus on processes underpinning learning as continuous.
What is the debate about nature versus nurture?
This debate revolves around whether human behavior is more influenced by innate biological factors (nature) or by the environment and experience (nurture). Behavioral approaches characterize babies as ‘blank slates’ at birth, shaped by learned associations and contingencies, while the biological approach emphasizes genetic influence and evolution.
What is reductionism, and how does it differ from holism?
Reductionism is the belief that behavior can be explained by breaking it down into simpler parts. Behaviorism reduces behavior to stimulus-response links, while the psychodynamic approach attributes behavior to biological drives. Holism, however, focuses on the interaction of multiple factors and looks at individuals as wholes.
What are the criticisms of reductionism?
Reductionism is seen as oversimplifying behavior by neglecting interactions between factors. For example, the cognitive approach has been accused of reducing behavior to information processing, and the learning approach focuses narrowly on observable behavior.
What is determinism, and how does it differ in psychology?
Determinism assumes behavior is caused by internal or external influences, with hard determinism suggesting no free will. In contrast, humanistic psychologists advocate free will and see humans as active agents who determine their development.
How do psychological approaches explain and treat abnormal behaviour?
The behavioral approach suggests that inappropriate patterns of behavior are learned and can be treated via techniques like systematic desensitization. Psychoanalysis, rooted in the psychodynamic approach, deals with unconscious conflicts but is not always effective or accessible. Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) and counseling are other methods.
