Critiquing behavioural, social, and cognitive approaches Flashcards
Strengths of behavioural approach
- Solid foundation in empirical research
- Development of useful therapies
Most useful approach for certain populations e.g. children
Criticisms of behavioural approaches
- Narrow in description of human personality
- Does not consider the role of genetics
- Humans are more complex than lab animals
-Disregards cognition
Strengths of cognitive approach
- Developed through empirical findings in controlled lab experiments
- Fits well within modern psychology
-Incorporated in many therapeutic approaches
Criticisms of cognitive approach
- Some concepts too abstract for empirical research
- Not always well implemented with personality research
No single model/theory to explain personality
issue with using rats to develop theories
only observable behaviours can be measured - they cannot convey their own cognitions
how does the cognitive approach describe the central executive
- Coordinates and decides behaviour
Controls attention memory and decision making
what do behaviourists believe about the central executive
do not accept - cannot “prove” it exists - cannot measure cognition
what do behaviourists believe about free will
free will is an illusion - do not have control - product of environment
how is Bandura’s approach different to behaviourism
We can provide our own reinforcers without direct experience of rewards and punishments
Mimic others’ successful behaviours (observational learning)
what are mirror neurons
Cells in the brain that activate to mimic others’ behaviour
Help us learn new behaviours, understand behaviour
what are mirror neurons linked to
empathy
what is social learning theory a combination of
a behavioural approach and a social approach
