Evaluation of the psychodynamic approach

Question 1

What is a strength of ‘can the psychodynamic approach be tested?’

Answer 1

Fisher and Greenberg (1996) claimed that whilst the theory as a whole cannot be tested specific hypotheses can. Found evidence to support Freud’s oral and anal personalities. Also a correlation between adult personalities and childhood experiences

Question 2

What is a weakness of ‘can the psychodynamic approach be tested?’

Answer 2

Concepts such as the id, ego and superego are not tangible structures and therefore cannot be tested to prove whether they exist or not

Question 3

What is a strength of ‘Freud’s theory is deterministic?’

Answer 3

Freuds theory provides an explanation for abnormal behaviour as being rooted in traumatic experiences. This has lead to the development of psychodynamic therapy which is still used today

Question 4

What is a weakness of ‘Freuds theory is deterministic?’

Answer 4

Freud believed that behaviour is governed by childhood experiences and our adult personality is determined by things that are outside of our control. Implies that adults have no free will or choice in how we behave and therefore, cannot be blamed for any negative behaviour or criminal activity