humanistic approach - evaluation

Question 1

untestable concepts

Answer 1

• uses concepts which are considered vague and difficult to measure scientifically
• psychologists argue that without evidence and evaluation of a theory = impossible to verify the validity of the humanistic approach
• some studies have shown personal growth as a result of humanistic counselling but there’s no objective evidence that the therapy was the cause of these changes = approach challenges the fundamental requirement of scientific psychology

Question 2

humanistic psychology

Answer 2

• positive and holistic focus on behaviour
• only approach that argues that subjective experience can only be understood by studying the whole person = considers all aspects of human behaviour including free will and human choice
• valid = considers all meaningful human behaviour within real-life contexts

Question 3

comparison to behaviourist/biological approach

Answer 3

• humanistic is positive and holistic
• humanistic = reject breaking up human behaviour into smaller components (reductionism)
• behaviourist/biological = criticised as they reduce behaviour to basic processes oversimplifying the complexity of human behaviour

Question 4

cultural bias

Answer 4

• ideas of the humanistic approach e.g. individual freedom, and personal growth are associated more with individualistic culture in the western world
• Nevis 1983 challenges Maslow’s hierarchy of needs = china belongingness was deemed more fundamental than physiological needs
• culturally biased and is a product of the cultural context which challenges validity and usefulness

Question 5

humanism can be applied to real life

Answer 5

Client-centred therapy is widely used in health, social work and industry. This therapy has helped many people overcome difficulties they face in life, which is a significant contribution to improving people’s quality of life.