Intro To Approaches

Question 1

Cognitive Approach

Answer 1

Human behaviour is affected by the internal mental processes, including cognitions and schemas

Question 2

Cognitions

Answer 2

Thoughts

Question 3

Schemas

Answer 3

Cognitive representations of a person, item, place or situation

Question 4

Behavioural Approach

Answer 4

As humans are born with a blank slate, all human behaviour is learned from environmental experience via classical conditioning and operant conditioning

Question 5

Classical conditioning

Answer 5

This refers to learning through association.

E.g. a cat learning to associate the opening of a cupboard door with getting food

Question 6

Operant Conditioning

Answer 6

Learning through reinforcement
Positive reinforcement refers to being rewarded for a behaviour, so you are more likely to repeat it.
Punishment refers to being punished for a behaviour so you are less likely to repeat it.

Question 7

Social Learning Theory

Answer 7

Human behaviour is a result of observing and imitating other people. Usually, we imitate the behaviour of a role model and we are particularly likely to copy them if we see them being rewarded.

Question 8

Biological Approach

Answer 8

Human behaviour is affected by internal bodily activity, including genetic factors; brain organisation; and neurochemistry (neurotransmitter and hormone levels).
As such, the approach assumes that all behaviour has evolved and is now genetically predisposed.
E.g. all behaviour is inherited or a result of chemicals in the brain.

Question 9

Psychodynamic Approach

Answer 9

Human behaviour is a result of unconscious conflicts from childhood. These effect our personality and use of defense mechanisms.

Question 10

Humanistic Approach

Answer 10

Human behaviour is a result of free-choice.

We make our own decisions regardless of influences from our environment or genetics.