Evaluating The Approaches

Question 1

Introspection : it is a highly controlled procedure

Answer 1

previous philosophers didn’t set any limits on the tasks they studied. however, wundt strictly controlled the environments in which introspection took place. he limited the range of responses that the observers could give. he trained them to give detailed observations.

Question 2

Introspection : too subjective

Answer 2

it is based on thought and emotion, so could be outside conscious awareness. observations were subject to bias as they relied on the observers’ private and subjective experiences.

this was seen as unreliable.

Question 3

Emergence of psych as a science : objectivity reduces reality

Answer 3

there are controls in observations so psychologists can create artificial situations, which decrease the external validity of research and limits the support for the t

Question 4

Emergence of psych as a science : objectivity reduces reality

Answer 4

there are controls in observations so psychologists can create artificial situations, which decrease the external validity of research and limits the support for the theory

Question 5

Emergence of psych as a science : un observable

Answer 5

key areas of psychology are unobservable (like internal mental processes) so are studied indirectly, which is why inferences are required.

Question 6

Emergence of psych as a science : un observable

Answer 6

key areas of psychology are unobservable (like internal mental processes) so are studied indirectly, which is why inferences are required.

Question 7

The behaviourist approach : scientific

Answer 7

1. it uses scientific and empirical methods in research. Pavlov and skinner both used experimental methods in labs which had controlled conditions.
   - Pavlov accurately measured the effects of the stimulus on the dog’s behaviour as he collected the saliva in test tubes
   - skinner allowed causal relationships to be established
   - this adds internal validity to the research
   - it studied objectively observable and measurable stimulus response mechanisms.

Question 8

Behaviourist approach : use of animals in research

Answer 8

2. criticism due to using animals. critics claim that the reliance on animals is problematic as they tell us little about human behaviour.
   - both case studies involved animals
   - humans have more complex cognitive processes
   - the evidence for the role of cognition is ignored so the approach is insufficient in fully explaining human behaviour
   - also seen as unethical when applied to humans

Question 9

Behaviourist approach : hard determinism

Answer 9

3. suggests all behaviour has a cause from the environment
   - skinner suggested that free will is an illusion, which wasn’t favoured by many as it shows that individuals don’t have a choice over their own behaviour
   - an environmentally reductionist position ignored a range of other explanations for behaviour like the role of biology.
   - the lack of consideration of free will reduces its ability to explain behaviour

Question 10

Bandura’s research : experimental methods and internal validity

Answer 10

it was a lab experiment, so it enabled precise control of variables (control was the model used).
this enabled for cause and effect to be established, so this enhanced the validity of the findings and the SLT’s validity.
the use of standardised procedures increased replicability.
the use of videos of live role models improved the reliability

Question 11

Bandura’s research : artificial settings and ecological validity

Answer 11

it lacked external validity
this was in an artificial setting with no interaction between adult and child, unlike real life modelling.
low ecological validity
the imitation was measured immediately, making this a snap shot study and it doesn’t tell us any long term effects of the single exposure to behaviour.

Question 12

SLT : research supports evidence

Answer 12

Bandura’s research supported evidence
- he found that children could imitate the behaviour of the role model
- vicarious reinforcement was used for children who observed a model being rewarded for aggression
- identification with the role model increases chances of imitation

Question 13

SLT : underestimating the role of nature (biological factors)

Answer 13

SLT makes little reference to the impact of biological factors on human behaviour and underestimates its contribution
SLT supports the role of nurture since it suggested the origins of behaviour is a social environment, which underestimates the role of nature (biology)
this is a limitation of the SLT’s ability to fully explain behaviour
boys being more aggressive in all conditions is best explained through biological factors like hormones

Question 14

Cognitive approach : scientific

Answer 14

• it is considered to be scientific due to the use of highly controlled experiments
• cognitive neuroscience has meant that psychologists can use technology to improve the scientific methods used in research. e.g. PET scanning provides evidence for the biological basis of mental processes.
• this improves the objectivity of the research support and reduces reliance or inference on how the mind works.
• there is high internal validity in the research

Question 15

Cognitive approach : scientific

Answer 15

• it is considered to be scientific due to the use of highly controlled experiments
• cognitive neuroscience has meant that psychologists can use technology to improve the scientific methods used in research. e.g. PET scanning provides evidence for the biological basis of mental processes.
• this improves the objectivity of the research support and reduces reliance or inference on how the mind works.
• there is high internal validity in the research

Question 16

Cognitive approach : uses inferences

Answer 16

• it is criticised for using inferences since they are assumptions and can be mistaken
• cognitive psychologists are not considered as scientific (even though they have highly controlled lab studies) as biological psychologists who support theories with directly observable behaviours

Question 17

Cognitive approach : machine reductionism

Answer 17

• the computer analogy has been critiqued by many since it likens the human brain to a computer, even though the brain is far more complex.
• the brain can adapt due to experience and computers can’t
• it doesn’t consider the influence of human emotion and motivation that often lead to irrational behaviour.
• human memory is flawed yet computers recall things accurately
• the approach is too simplistic to fully explain all the factors involved in human behaviour.

Question 18

Cognitive approach : Beck’s negative triad

Answer 18

• he sees depression’s roots as something that lies in traumatic childhood experiences, like rejection
• these bad experiences lead to negative schemas of the world and one’s self.
• expecting to fail in situation similar to those present when the schemas were learnt. these expectations could lead to depression
• cognitive behaviour therapy (CBT) is therefore used to identify someone’s negative schemas to help the person develop a more positive schema to help prevent negative thinking

Question 19

Biological approach : attachment by bowlby

Answer 19

suggests that attachment is an innate (natural) system that is biologically programmed into babies from birth. this helps them survive.

he argued that human infants seek proximity. they develop a strong emotional bond with the mother early on during a crucial period so they can meet the biological needs of the infant and help them survive.

Question 20

Biological approach : research is scientific

Answer 20

it uses the scientific method and experimental ones.
the experiments take place in highly controlled conditions so studies can be replicated. this improves the reliability of the original findings.

the increase of sophisticated brain imaging (fMRI scans) has increased the precision and objectivity.
this enhances the scientific credibility of the approach and the research that supports its assumptions.

Question 21

Biological approach : we can’t separate nurture from nature

Answer 21

difficulty in investigating the true influence of nature on behaviour since high concordance rates for identical twins is seen as support for a genetic cause of behaviour (not 100% still due to nurture!)

Question 22

Biological approach : applications

Answer 22

useful research for the role of biological factors in our behaviour, like the role of biology in psychological illnesses

theory and research from this approach have had significant contributions to treatment, such as :
1. SSRIs created for neuro chemical imbalances in depression, which have been effective at reducing effects
2. dopamine: psychosis (when someone is disconnected from reality) has led to the making of anti psychosis to reduce symptoms of hallucinations

Question 23

Psychodynamic approach : explains the unexplainable

Answer 23

controversial assumptions about the approach, but it has had an important influence on psychology

it has been used to explain many phenomena (personality, abnormal behaviour) which can’t be explained by other approaches

significant in highlighting the connection between early experiences in childhood (e.g. attachment) and it’s influence in later attachment and certain behaviours.
e.g. Freud’s concepts have influenced Bowlby and his attachment theory’s

he was among the first to develop a scientific concept on the unconscious

Question 24

Psychodynamic approach : untestable concepts

Answer 24

lacks scientific credibility as they were development through case studies and therefore can’t be empirically tested

he interpreted his client’s memories and dreams

many of his concepts are said to exist at an unconscious level, making them impossible to test

argues the validity and usefulness of the approach

concepts lack falsification because if they can’t be tested, they also can’t be disproved

Question 25

Humanistic approach : practical applications

Answer 25

the approach has yielded therapies that have helped many (counselling therapy)

Sexton and Whiston found that person centered therapy was effective for some people

Maslow’s hierarchy of needs has been influential within the business world and helps improve motivation within the workplace

Question 26

Humanistic approach : holistic

Answer 26

unlike other approaches (reductive), the approach considers all aspects of a person’s life

this approach may yield more valid insights and treatments as it is based on real life experiences and context rather than unrealistic lab experiments which are artificial

Question 27

Humanistic approach : unscientific and untestable concepts

Answer 27

subjective approach so can’t produce quantitative data

difficult to objectively test the claims of the approach against reality and say whether it’s true or not

the approach is ideographic and rejects attempts to generalise behaviour in the same way science is about developing theories to explain behaviour

Question 28

What is cognitive neuroscience

Answer 28

• it scientifically examines the neurological structures and chemical processes in the brain that are linked to internal mental processes.
• it uses scanning techniques to find the biological basis to cognitive processes in the brain.
• it uses fMRI and PET to help psychologists understand the brain, and how it can support different cognitive activity.
• fast advances in technology meant that neuroscientists are now able to study the brain and find areas which are linked to specific cognition.
• e.g. Broca’s study showed that brain damage to the frontal lobe causes impaired speech production

Question 29

What is cognitive neuroscience ?

Answer 29

• it scientifically examines the neurological structures and chemical processes in the brain that are linked to internal mental processes.
• it uses scanning techniques to find the biological basis to cognitive processes in the brain.
• it uses fMRI and PET to help psychologists understand the brain, and how it can support different cognitive activity.
• fast advances in technology meant that neuroscientists are now able to study the brain and find areas which are linked to specific cognition.
• e.g. Broca’s study showed that brain damage to the frontal lobe causes impaired speech production

Question 30

What is cognitive neuroscience ?

Answer 30

• it scientifically examines the neurological structures and chemical processes in the brain that are linked to internal mental processes.
• it uses scanning techniques to find the biological basis to cognitive processes in the brain.
• it uses fMRI and PET to help psychologists understand the brain, and how it can support different cognitive activity.
• fast advances in technology meant that neuroscientists are now able to study the brain and find areas which are linked to specific cognition.
• e.g. Broca’s study showed that brain damage to the frontal lobe causes impaired speech production

Question 31

Explain key features of the nervous system :

Answer 31

it is compromised of several connected systems.

the CNS comprises of the brain + spinal cord

the PNS compromises of the somatic and automatic nervous systems.

the nervous system carries messages from one part of the body to another, using neurons (nerve cells)

neurotransmitters send electrical signals from one neurone to the next across the body. this controls many aspects of behaviour (like eating or even sleeping)

• excitatory neurotransmitters : trigger nerve impulses and stimulate the brain into action
• inhibitory neurotransmitters : inhibit nerve impulses to calm the brain and balance mood. (serotonin stabilises mood)

Question 32

Explain key features of the brain :

Answer 32

2 hemispheres, 4 lobes

lobes:
1. temporal
2. parietal
3. frontal
4. occipital

the back of the brain (below the occipital lobe) is the cerebellum

the hemispheres are connected by nerve fibres called the corpus callosum

brain scans:
1. PET scans: shows which parts of the brain are active during different activities, or when thinking of certain things
2. CAT scans: detects damaged parts of the brain (tumours, blood clots…) brain STRUCTURE rather than function is shown

Question 33

Explain sperry’s research :

Answer 33

sperry’s research on split brain research gives evidence that the 2 hemispheres have specialised functions.
- research shows there are important localised structures within the brain that have functions (hypothalamus and hippocampus)
- the clive wearing case study (long term memory problems) showed how a virus damaged his hippocampus (which stores memories)

neural plasticity shows how the brain can change and adapt as a result of experience and can recover functions from a damaged area of the brain.

Question 34

Explain key features of the endocrine system :

Answer 34

it works alongside the nervous system to control vital functions in the body.

various glands produce hormones
- hormones are chemical messengers that are secreted into the bloodstream by endocrine cells
- they are released when people are under stress, like adrenaline
- androgens and oestrogens are sex hormones that are associated with behaviour, like agression
- androgen levels in males are higher than in females
- oestrogen levels in females are higher than in males
- crucial in gender development!

Question 35

What are Freud’s 5 psychosexual stages ?

Answer 35

stage age focus development consequence on adult personality
oral 0-1 mouth breast feeding, ego develops smoking / overreacting
anal 1-3 bowel/bladder control toilet training orderliness/messiness
phallic 3-6 genitals oedipus complex, super ego develops deviancy / sexual dysfunction
latency 6-10 repression of sexual urges cognitive and social development none
genital 12+ genitals sexual maturity, development of sexual relationships if all stages are done then positive mental health and sexual maturity is achieved

Question 36

What are Freud’s 5 psychosexual stages ?

Answer 36

stage age focus development consequence on adult personality
oral 0-1 mouth breast feeding, ego develops smoking / overreacting
anal 1-3 bowel/bladder control toilet training orderliness/messiness
phallic 3-6 genitals oedipus complex, super ego develops deviancy / sexual dysfunction
latency 6-10 repression of sexual urges cognitive and social development none
genital 12+ genitals sexual maturity, development of sexual relationships if all stages are done then positive mental health and sexual maturity is achieved