Comparisons of Approaches Flashcards
Main focus of Behaviourist
All behaviour is learnt. Animal and humans learn the same. The mind is irrelevant.
(Nurture/ Determinism)
Main focus of Cognitive
We are like a computer. The focus is on mental processes (input-process-output)
(Nature & Nurture / Freewill)
Main focus of Biological
Behaviour is caused by hormones, genetics, evolution and the CNS.
(Nature/ Determinism)
Main focus of Psychodynamic
Our childhood influences our behaviour unconsciously. We have innate drives and motivations.
(Nature/ Determinism)
Main focus of Humanistic
An individual should be seen as a whole and are driven to their full potential. Considers feelings and choices.
(Nurture/Free will)
What does Behaviourist ignore
Complex learning; genetics; personality; cognitive processes + structures.
What does Cognitive ignore
Genetics, personality, motivation; long term goals
What does Biological ignore
Environmental issues and cognitive structure and processing.
What does Psychodynamic ignore
Positive emotions; ‘normal’ individuals; biological factors (neurochemistry, genetics)
What does Humanistic ignore
Biological factors.; childhood and development; limited interest in cognitive structure
Who the does it test on? Behaviourist
Humans + animals
(Pavlov, Skinner, Bandura )
Who the does it test on? Cognitive
Human only
Who does it test on? Biological
Humans + animals
Who the does it test on? Psychodynamic
Humans only
(Anna O, Little Hans)
Who the does it test on? Humanistic
Human only.
Preferred method of testing: Behaviourist
Experiments – only observable behaviour to be measured.
Preferred method of testing: Cognitive
Experiments (Laboratory, field and natural)
Preferred method of testing: Biological
Experiments + twin studies.
Preferred method of testing: Psychodynamic
Case studies & therapy
(free association, dream analysis, Freudian slips)
Preferred method of testing: Humanistic
Qualitative data. Reports. Therapy.
Is it scientific? Behaviourist
Yes
Is it scientific? Cognitive
Yes
Is it scientific? Biological
Yes
Is it scientific? Psychodynamic
No
Is it scientific? Humanistic
No
Known for: Behaviourist
Classical/Operant conditioning. Social Learning Theory
Known for: Cognitive
Twin studies and concordance rates; Brain structure; Phineas Gage.
Known for: Biological
Schemas. Barlett (1932); cognitive neuroscience; CBT
Known for: Psychodynamic
Psychosexual stages, Personality; Defence mechanisms;
Unconscious or Conscious mind? Behaviourist
Conscious
Known for: Humanistic
Maslow’s Hierarchy of needs; Rogers self-actualisation; Counselling Psychology.
Unconscious or Conscious mind? Biological
Unconscious
Unconscious or Conscious mind? Cognitive
Both
Unconscious or Conscious mind? Psychodynamic
Unconscious
Unconscious or Conscious mind? Humanistic
Conscious
Biological Explanation for atypical behaviour
Inherited factors, faulty functioning of neurotransmitters
Behaviourist Explanation for atypical behaviour
Maladaptive learning & Modelling of dysfunctional role models and observational learning
Cognitive Explanation for atypical behaviour
Irrational thinking
Psychodynamic Explanation for atypical behaviour
Conflict in the unconscious mind and overuse of defence mechanisms.
Humanistic Explanation for atypical behaviour
Lack of unconditional positive regard, incongruence
What is meant by the term ecological validity?
-The extent to which behaviours observed and recorded in a study reflect the behaviours that actually occur in real life.
