P2: Approaches in Psychology Flashcards
Explain the origins of psychology
Wundt established first psychology lab in Germany.
AIM: Describe nature of human consciousness.
-Introspection: First systematic experiment, attempt to break up conscious awareness into basic structures(Structuralism). Used Standardised procedures.
The significance of this marked the separation of modern scientific psychology from philosophy roots.
Describe the history of psychology emerging as a science
-1900s: Behaviourists rejected introspection
Argued: study observable n measurable phenomena
-1930s: Behaviourist dominated
Skinner introduced rigour of nat sciences.e.g.Lab test
-1950s: Cognitive approach
Scientific procedures to study mental process via inference via lab tests ∵mental process=private
-1990s: Biological approach
Intro: technological advancements.e.g.fMRI, EEG, brain scan
Evaluate the origins of psychology
+ Wundt’s methods= scientific today: Introspection in Controlled lab n standardised procedures ∴ considered forerunner to later scientific approaches
- Aspects= considered unscientific today: Reliance on self-report techniques to study mind ∴ efforts= naive ≠ scientific criteria
+ Modern research= scientific: Same AIMS as nat sciences.e.g.predicit, control…Learning approaches(Cog n Bio) rely on science techs ∴ unbiased
- Not all approach use objective methods:
Humanistic: holism n idiographic
Psychodynamic: Case studies, interview techs ∴ biased? n cannot generalise ∴ not possible/desired to be similar to nat sciences
Explain the learning approach: Behaviourism
Focus: Observable n measurable behaviour
Classical conditioning: (Pavlov) learning via association
Neutral stimulus -> condition response
Operant Condition: (Skinner) .e.g.skinner box, for rats
Behaviour shaped n maintained by consequences
3 types of consequences of behaviour:
Positive: Rewarded for desirable behaviour
Negative: avoidance of something unpleasant
Punishment: consequence of behaviour
Evaluate the Learning approach to behaviourism
+ Real-life application: e.g. token economy system in institutions
- Environmental determinism: All behaviour determined by past conditioning. Skinner:’free will is an illusion’ ∴ extreme stance n ignores conscious decision making
+ Scientific credibility: Focus on scientific process e.g. objectivity n replication in lab setting= good validity
- Ethics n generalisation: Animal ≠ to humans ∴ cannot generalise. man= active learning role, genes/cognitions role?
Explain the learning approach: Social Learning theory
Indirectly learning via observation n imitation.
- Vicarious reinforcement: Rewarded behaviour= likely to copy vs behaviour that is punished
- Mediational(Cognitive)Process:
1) Attention 2) Retention 3) Motor Reproduction 4) Motivation - Identification: kids= likely to imitate behaviour of ppl they identify with(ROLE MODELS)
Explain the learning approach: Social Learning theory using Bandura’s research and findings
IMITATION OF AGGRESSION
kids watched 1) man= aggressive to bobo doll 2) non-aggressive to bobo doll 3)Repeated with rewards, punishment, no consequence for aggression.
FOUND:
kids likely to imitate aggression by a role model, more likely if behaviour is rewarded (Vicarious reinforcement)
Evaluate the learning approach: Social Learning Theory
- Biological factors: Boy= more aggression regardless of experiment conditions ∵ testosterone linked to aggression
+ emphasises on Cognition: Behaviourism= partial explanation ∵ cognitive factors ignored ∴SLT= better ∵ acknowledges meditational process - Over-reliance on lab studies: Demand characteristics in play? main purpose of Bobo doll is to hit ∴ acting as expected?
+ Realistic n flexible approach: Reciprocal determinism-influenced by environment but also exert influence via behaviours we choose to preform(free will) ∴ realistic vs behaviourist
Explain the Cognitive approach
Study of mental process(private/unobservable) ∴ study via indirect assumptions. Uses
-Theoretical models: Ideas that info flows through sequence of stages e.g.Multi-store model
-Computer Analogy= similarities in how computers n humans processes info
Schemas(Central concept): Build mental framework to interpret info.
Babies= simple motor skills(Sucking, holding) as you age= detailed n sophisticate
Advancements= fMRI, PET = basis of neurological basis n scanning techniques
Evaluate the Cognitive approach
+ Scientific: controlled lab studies. Allows Bio+ Cog Psych= cognitive neuroscience ∴ creditable scientific basis
- Machine reductionism: Ignores emotions n motivation.e.g. EWTs affected by those factors ∴analogy criticised ∵oversimplifies things
- Lacks ecological Validity: Approach= abstract n theoretical ∴ can only infer via observations. Also many studies= artificial material ∴ cannot generalise
+ Soft determinism: Reasonable middle ground in freewill-determinism debate ∵ Cognition only operate within certain limits but free to think b4 response
Explain the Biological approach
Everything psychological is first biological. Has genetic n neurochemical basis ∴behaviour=inherited
Mind n body=one. Mind lives in brain ∴ all feelings/thoughts= physical basis
-TWIN STUDIES INVESTIGATED:
Found: High concordance rates between MZ twins vs DZ twins ∴ genetic basis proved
Genotype: Actual genetic make-up
Phenotype: Expressed gene via characteristics.
Human behaviour depends on nature n nurture
-EVOLUTION THEORY:
Charles Darwin: Theory of natural selection= Behaviour that enhances survival reproduction= passed on
Evaluate the Biological approach
+ Scientific methods: Tech=accurate.e.g.fMRIs, drug trials ∴ accurately measure Bio n neutral process in ways not open to bias ∴ Good validity
+ Real-life application: Understanding= development of psychoactive drugs ∴ treat mental disorders. Not effective for all but still revolutionised treatment
- Deterministic Views: Governed by internal bio causes= no control. Problem.e.g.Criminal Gene= legal system complicated. Acts as excuse for behaviour
- Hard to separate Nature/Nurture: Twins should act similar due to genes, but all exposed to similar environments ∴explanation can be flipped (Confounding variable)
Explain the Psychodynamic approach
Construction of mind: -Conscious: Aware off
-Pre-conscious: thoughts that become aware via dream/freudian slip
-Unconscious: Bio drives n instincts= influence behaviour
STRUCTURE OF PERSONALITY:
-ID: Pleasure principle, instant gratification (devil)
-EGO: Reality principle, mediator between ID,Superego
-SUPEREGO: Morality principle.e.g.morals (Angel)
PSYCHOSEXUAL STAGES:
1) Oral(0-1yr):Pleasure focus=mouth
2)Anal(1-3yr):Pleasure focus=ass
3)Phallic(3-5):Pleasure focus=Genitals
4)Latency: Earlier conflicts repressed
5)Genital(Puberty):Conscious sexual desires
-Oedipus complex(During Phallic stage)
Boys=incestuous thoughts to mum n hate dad
Later, repress feelings for mum n identify with dad(Morals, gender role)
-Electra complex(Girl version)
Penis envy
DEFENCE MECHANISMS: Used by Ego to control ID n reduce anxiety
Repression:Ignore/force outta conscious mind
Denial:Refuse
Displacement:Transfer feelings
Evaluate the psychodynamic approach
+ Explanatory power: Explains range of behaviours, influence over western. Shows childhood effect on adulthood. Dominant approach during 1st half of C21 alongside behaviourism.
- Case studies: Limited sample size ∴ cannot generalise. Methods lacked scientific rigour in comparison to other approaches(biased?)
- Untestable concepts: Criteria of falsification not met(cannot be proved/unproven) ∴ given status of pseudoscience
+ Real-life application: Psychoanalysis therapy formed = talking cures. designed to access unconscious mind via hypnosis/dream analysis. Useful for mild neuroses
Explain the humanistic approach
Central concept: Free will, Holism n idiographic. Reject ideas of establishing scientific principles.
MASLOW’S HIERARCHY OF NEEDS:
-Self-actualisation (TOP)
-Self-esteem
-Love n belongingness
-Safety n security
-Physiological needs (BOTTOM)
Lower needs must be met to progress.TOP= innate tendency to achieve full potential,Focuses on self
AIM OF THERAPY
Carl Roger: personal growth= individual concepts of self to be congruent with ideal self.
Childhood can restrict growth.e.g.conditional parental love= stored psych problems for adulthood.
EFFECTS ON COUNSELLING: Client-central therapy
AIM: to increase self-worth, reduce incongruence between self-concept n ideal self.
Good therapist must be: -Genuine, -empathic, -unconditional positive regard
