Approaches quick definitions

Question 1

Cognitive approach

Answer 1

Behaviour is caused by information processing and storage – the way in which we perceive, interpret, store and retrieve information affects our behaviour. The mind is like a computer.

Question 2

Biological approach

Answer 2

Humans are biological organisms - behaviour is determined by genes (inherited), evolution and neurochemistry. Thoughts arise from biological activity in brain regions/circuits.

Question 3

Humanistic approach

Answer 3

Humans have free will, individuality, personal responsibility, and strive for growth. We choose how to behave. Our self-worth is affected by how others treat us, but also our own view of ourselves.

Question 4

Psychodynamic approach

Answer 4

Behaviour is driven by unconscious drives/desires/fixations and the impact of early experience/trauma. Personality is formed from the resolution of unconscious conflict around age 3-6.

Question 5

Behaviourist approach

Answer 5

Everyone is born ‘blank slate’. Behaviour explained in terms of classical (association) and operant (consequences) conditioning (learning). The environment determines our behaviour.

Question 6

Social learning theory approach

Answer 6

Behaviour is learned and imitated from watching others, e.g. family or other ‘role models’. The environment determines our behaviour, but there is a role for processes such as motivation, attention and ability.