P2 - Approaches - Studies & theories

Question 1

Explain the theory relating to the origin of Psychology

Answer 1

Wundt (not a study)
Came up with the technique of introspection as a method of investigating psychology
Significant contribution to making psychology a science

Question 2

Explain the studies that support Behaviourism

Answer 2

Skinner - Operant conditioning - taught mice and other animals new behaviours by using food as rewards for given behaviours (such as pressing a lever)
Pavlov - Classical conditioning - Paired the ringing of a bell (neutral stimulus) with food (unconditioned stimuli) to create salivation (conditioned response) at the ringing of a bell in the future (conditioned stimulus)
Watson and Raynor (Little Albert) - Taught a young boy to develop a phobia of fluffy items by pairing these items with loud noises
Demonstrates classical conditioning in humans. Supports behavioural explanation of phobias

Question 3

Explain the studies that support SLT

Answer 3

Bandura - Developed the Social Learning Theory when he found that children who had seen an adult model behaving aggressively to a model were more likely to be aggressive to the model themselves
Supports identification and imitation and observation
Bandura and Walters - Observed consequences for the model – praised, punished or no consequence. Praised model most likely to be imitated.
Supports role of vicarious reinforcement

Question 4

Explain the study that supports the Psychodynamic approach

Answer 4

Freud - Developed the Psychodynamic approach, including the psychosexual stages and his iceberg theory of the psyche, containing the id, ego and superego

Question 5

Explain the theory behind the Humanisitic Approach

Answer 5

Developed the hierarchy of needs, which is a key element of Humanistic psychology
Contributed towards the Humanistic approach

Question 6

Explain the main theory behind the biological approach

Answer 6

Darwin - Explains evolution and the role of natural selection
Outline of evolution