Evaluating the Psychodynamic Approach

Question 1

Deterministic

Answer 1

> adult behaviour/personality determined by childhood experiences (fixated)
no free will in who we become
personality pre-determined by forces.

+ Gives a reason for behaviour
- Doesn’t take free will into account - less likely to change, believe it isn’t their responsibility, gives an excuse for unreasonable behaviour (blame element)

Question 2

Reductionist

Answer 2

> explains complex human behaviour in terms of the mechanics of the mind and
how we progressed through childhood.
Ignores other important influences on behaviour like genetics.

• reduces complex human behaviour, oversimplifies human behaviour

Question 3

Applications

Answer 3

> Has been applied successfully
Freud’s ideas have influenced therapies used to treat mental disorders - psychoanalysis
dream analysis - gain insight on what is in the unconscious, people can be cured, benefits people

+Supports the assumptions of the approach

Question 4

Idiographic + Nomothetic

Answer 4

I >emphasis on the subjective and unique experience of an individual - case studies used.

N > Tripartate personalities and psychosexual stages applies to everyone.

+ Considers both

Question 5

Nature + Nurture = Interactionist

Answer 5

Nature - influenced by innate drives
Nurture - influenced by childhood experiences

+ takes both sides into account

Question 6

Unscientific

Answer 6

> Focuses on the unconscious ( hard to prove / difficult to falsify)

-