Approaches in Psychology Flashcards
Who is William Wundt?
The first person to call himself a psychologist.
Opened first research lab in Lezpig, Germany
Named “father of psychology”
Created technique ‘introspection’
What is introspection?
Latin for ‘looking into’
Research method
Used to investigate the human mind
Wundt presented participants with controlled stimuli and asked to give descriptions of what they were experiencing
Define objective
(Scientific method principle)
Researchers do not let idea of what the think might happen or want to happen affect the collection of their data
Define subjective
(Scientific method principle)
Research is carried out in an orderly way. Measurement and recording of data is carried out in an accuracy way. Other factors that could influence results are considered.
Define replicable
(Scientific method principle)
Research can be repeated and observations that were made can be repeated to see if the same is found again
Core principles of the scientific approach
- all behaviour is seen as being caused (determined)
- assumption of predictability
What is empiricism
The belief that all knowledge is derived from observation and experience
What did Wundt aim to research?
The structure of the human mind
Define structuralism
Breaking down behaviours into more basic elements
Describe the psychodynamic approach
Developed by Sigmund Freud
Name derived from the idea that the mind could a influenced by powerful unconscious forces
Freud developed his theories after working with mentally ill patients
3 basic assumptions when looking at human behaviour
- behaviour is influenced by unconscious forces
- importance of early childhood experience
- a focus on the whole person
Freud theory of the mind
Compared to an iceberg:
- childhood memories pushed down into unconscious mind
- material of unconscious could leak into dreams
- hidden desires (unconscious)
Dreams need to be examined to learn hidden meaning
What is free association?
Freud believed unconscious could be accessed using free assosciation.
It is a process in therapy where patients speak freely and say the first thing that comes to their head
Looked for associations and believed it links to unconscious material
Reveal the unconscious
What does the human personality consist of?
Id, ego and superego
Define the Id
INSTINCTS
‘pleasure principle’
present from birth
seek satisfaction at any cost
not capable of logical nor moral thinking
Define the Ego
REALITY
develops at approximately 2yrs old
‘reality principle’
meets the demands of the ideal in a way that is socially acceptable
conscious part of our personality
Define the Superego
MORALITY
Emerges at around 5yrs old (phallic stage)
‘morality principle’
steering behaviour with a sense of what is right or wrong, generating a sense of pride or guilt
What would having if a person had a strong id that overpowers the ego?
Psychopathic behaviour
What would happen if a person had a strong superego?
Neurotic disorders such as OCD, panic disorders, phobias, anxiety
What would a well-adjusted person develop?
A strong ego so he or she can cope with internal, unconscious conflict through the use of ego defends mechanisms
Define repression
Pushing memories deep into the unconscious so they appear forgotten.
(e.g. unable to recall a traumatic experience)
Define denial
Refusing or rejecting reality
(e.g deny being rude to someone despite evidence)
Define displacement
Feelings are redirected to alternative safer places.
(e.g. slam door rather than take it out on the person causing you frustration)
Acronym for psychosexual stages
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