approaches - essay plans Flashcards
social learning theory - AO1
state that behaviour is learned from the environment. However, according to SLT, people learn through observation and imitation of others within a social context. The three assumptions include vicarious reinforcement - observing another individual being reinforced for their behaviour, identification - people are more likely to imitate someone who they look up to or identify with, a role model. And finally, mediational processes including attention, retention, reproduction and motivation
strength of SLT - (PA)
N - principles have increased our understanding of human behaviour, including criminal behaviour. Therefore, it has important practical applications
A - research has suggested that the probability of someone engaging in criminal behaviour, increases when they are exposed to models who commit criminal behaviour, identify with these models and develop the expectation of positive consequences for their own criminal behaviour
E - research has found that the strongest cause of violent behaviour in adolescence was association with violent peer groups, where violence was both modelled and rewarded
strength of SLT (research)
N - research evidence to support
A - Bandura found that without being instructed to do so, many of the children in the experiment imitated the behaviour they had seen physically and verbally. The closeness was virtually a direct copy. Aggressive behaviour towards the Bobo doll by the children in the non-aggressive condition was almost non-existent
E - support SLT of aggression, findings suggest that children do imitate aggressive behaviour from role models, increasing internal validity of the theory,
weakness of SLT (red)
N - another challenge is that it is reductionist, it only offers one simple explanation of behaviour and ignores others
A - the biological approach challenged SLT assumptions that behaviour is learned from the env due to modelling, imitation, identification and vicarious reinforcement. Instead, it proposes that behaviour is caused by biological structures and processes such as neurochemistry and genes.
E- this is a weakness as it can be argued to only offers a partial explanation of behaviour
SLT counter comment
it can be argued that the Diathesis-Stress Model may be a more plausible explanation of behaviour, as this states that aggression is caused by a biological vulnerability (diathesis) e.g. an aggressive gene, but triggered by an environmental factor (stressor) e.g. classical conditioning. This can be considered to be a less reductionist and more useful explanation of behaviour
cognitive approach AO1
focuses on mental processes e.g. thoughts and perceptions affect behaviour. This first assumption includes Theoretical and Computer Models: where the mind is compared to a computer due to similarities in the way we process information. The second assumption is the role of Schema: schemas are packages of information developed through experience. They act as a mental framework for the interpretation of incoming information by the cognitive system. Cognitive neuroscience has led to advances in brain imaging techniques such as MRI and PET scans, in which scientists have been able to systematically observe and describe the neurological basis of mental processes
strength of cognitive approach (PA)
N - principles have led to development of treatments for reduction of mental illnesses including depression. Thus, real life practical applications have been made
A- all cognitive aspects of depression can be challenged in cognitive behavioural therapy including challenging irrational beliefs and faulty thinking pointed out be Ellis
E- encourages people to think in more rational and constructive ways, which can treat depression and improve the quality of life for individuals
strength of cognitive (lab)
N - includes use of highly controlled and objective lab studies
A - for e.g. use of brain scanning techniques such as fMRIS and PET scans are highly scientific. The emergence of cognitive neuroscience has also enabled two fields of biology and cognitive psychology to come together
E - these methods have increased precision, objectivity and replicability of research. This adds to the internal validity of the findings.
weakness of cognitive (MR)
N - criticised for machine reductionism
A - computer analogy has been criticised by many. Such machine reductionism ignores the influence of human emotion and motivation and how this may effect our ability to process information. Computers do not make mistakes, nor do they forget anything stored. Humans do all of these things.
E - research has found that human memory may be affected by emotional factors such as the influence of anxiety on eyewitnesses
biological approach AO1
according to biological approach, all behaviour has a physical bias. To fully understand behaviour, we must look to biological structures and processes within the body, such as genes and neurochemistry. Its first assumption is the genotype and phenotype. A genotype is their genetic makeup in which behavioural characteristics such as intelligence and mental disorders are genetically inherited. It also uses evolution as an assumption, in which any genetically determind behaviour enhances an individuals survival and reproduction will continue in future generations (be naturally selected). Structure of the brain determines our behaviour, Phineas Gage damaged a large portion of his frontal lobe after an explosion in which his behaviour changed to be aggressive and anti-social.
strength of bio approach (PA)
N - has practical applications in terms of treatments
A - increased understanding of biochemical processes in the brain has led to the development of drugs that treat serious mental illnesses, such as depression and schizophrenia. This approach has taught us that schizophrenia may be caused by abnormally levels of dopamine. Although these drugs arent effective for all patients, they have revolutionised treatment for many
E - means that sufferers are able to manage their condition and live a relatively normal life, rather than remain in hospital
strength of behaviourist approach
N - use of highly controlled and objective lab experiments
A- Skinner’s use of the skinners box is an example of this. By manipulating the consequences of behaviour he was able to accurately measure the effects on rats behaviour. Allowing him to establish a cause and effect relationship
E - gives behaviourist approach greater credibility and objectivity. Lab experiments also have high internal validity
behaviourist weakness (A)
N - criticised for use of animals rather than humans
A - tells us little about human behaviour. Humans have free will compared to animals who have their behaviour determined by positive and negative reinforcement. results cant be extrapolated to human behaviour
E - animals exposed to stressful conditions which may have affected their behaviours. This lack of consideration can be considered unethical and therefore damages psychology’s reputation
behaviourist weakness (red)
N - environmentally reductionist, offers one explanation of behaviour and ignores other explanations such as biological approach
A - biological approach challenges behaviourist assumptions of behaviour is learned from the environment via classical and operant conditioning. Instead, it focuses on biological structures and processes such as genes and neurochemistry. This approach ignores the nature side of the nature vs nurture debate
E - weakness as it can be argued that behaviourist approach only offers a partial explanation of behaviour
biological approach strength
N - practical applications in terms of treatments
A - increased understanding of biochemical processes has led to the dev of drugs that treat mental illness. for e.g. schizophrenia is caused by abnormally high dopamine levels, antipsychotics can treat this. Although, these aren’t effective for all patients, they have revolutionised treatment for many
E- sufferers are able to manage their condition and live a relatively normal life, rather than remain in hospital
