Paper 2 - Approaches in Psychology Flashcards
Behaviourists approach
Studies behaviour that can be observed and measured
Relies on lab experiments
Behaviourist approach on animal studies
Basic processes that govern learning are the same in all species so animals can replace humans as experimental subjects
What are the two types of behaviour identified by behaviourists
Classical conditioning and operant conditioning
Classical conditioning
Learning by association between a stimulus and response e.g. pavlovas dog associating bell with food and developing salivation response
Operant conditioning
Learning through reward/ punishment e.g. fats pulling lever for food/ electrocution and eventually learning
Strengths (behaviourism)
Scientific credibility- Because of its focus on observable behaviour in controlled environments, emphasises scientific importance of replicability
Real life application- operant conditioning is the basis of token- economy systems that have proven successful
Weaknesses
Ethical issues- animals were exposed to stressful conditions that humans would not ethically be allowed To be Exposed to.
Environmental determinism- ignores the possibility of free will and labels it as an illusion. Doesn’t offer any explanation for when people rebel against what they have been “conditioned” to do
Social learning theory
Learning through observation and imitation of others in a social context
Vicarious reinforcement
Observations in the reinforcement of other people’s behaviour making it more or less likely to be imitated
E.g. if you see someone being punished for … then you’re less likely to imitate the persons behaviour
Describe Albert Bandura’s Bobo Doll experiment.
young children watched adult being aggressive to Bobo doll
- later observed playing with toys=behaved more aggressively
What are the mediational processes?
Attention: how much we notice behaviour
- Retention: how well we remember behaviour
- Motor reproduction: ability for the learner to perform the behaviour
- Motivation: will to perform the behaviour
What is identification in social learning theory?
- more likely to copy behaviour perspective identify with e.g. role models
- rode model determined=similar/desired characteristics to observer
- role model doesn’t have to be physically present (media majorly affects behaviour)
What are the weaknesses of social learning theory?
- Bandura’s theories: child behaviour observations artificial=demand characteristics e.g. Bobo doll=children hit it as they were expected to
- ignored biological influences e.g.
What is the cognitive approach?
An approach focused on how our mental processes affect behaviour
internal mental processes can be studied scientifically
- investigates areas ignored by behaviourists
- study them indirectly, making inferences of what happens in people’s minds based on their behaviour
What is a schema?
Packages of info/ideas developed through experience=framework for interpreting incoming info to the cognitive system
- cognitive processing often affected by person’s beliefs/expectations
- babies born with simple motor schema for innate behaviour (grasping)
- schema become detailed as we get older
- enable us to process info quick;may distort sensory info
What are the evaluation points for the cognitive approach?
S: controlled methods=researchers infer cognitive processes at work;lab experiments =reliable/objective data
W: computer analogy criticised=ignores human emotion=may affect ability to process info
W: infer mental processes from observable behaviour=occasionally too abstract;artificial stimuli=not represent memory in everyday
S: applied to wide range of practical/theoretical contexts (AI)=revolutionise future
S: self determinism=cognitive system operate in limits what we know/free to think before responding to stimulus
biological approach?
The perspective that emphasizes importance of physical processes in the body e.g. genetic inheritance/neural function
- everything psychological is first biological=look at structures (genes/neurochemistry/nervous system)
- understand brain function=explain thoughts
- mind and brain are one=thoughts have physical basis
How is it determined if a behaviour has a genetic basis?
- behaviour geneticists=study if behaviour characteristics are inherited like physical characteristics
- twin studies: determine if traits had genetic basis=compare extent twins share characteristics
- identical>non-identical=suggest genetic basis
genotype vs phenotype
genotype? - The particular set of genes that a person possesses
phenotype?- The characteristics of an individual determined by both genes and the environment
What are the evaluation points of the biological approach?
S: develop psychoactive drugs=treat serious mental illnesses=revolutionised treatment
S: investigate genetic/biological basis=precise
/scientific methods;advanced tech=accurately measure processes obejctively =reliable data
W: studies show drug reduces symptoms=assumed neurochemical causes disorder;association doesn’t mean cause
W: human behaviour=internal/biological cause we have no control;legal implication=loop hole for escaping conviction
W: twins/families have similar genes/environmental conditions=findings could support nature/nurture(dizygotic twins>siblings)
What is the psychodynamic approach?
- unconscious forces operate on the mind and direct behaviour
What is the role of the unconscious in the psychodynamic approach?
- part of the mind we are unaware of that directs our behaviour
- contains disturbing memories which have been repressed
According to Freud, what is the structure of the personality?
the personality is composed of three parts
- the Id, Ego and Superego
What is the Id as part of the psychodynamic approach?
- made of selfish aggressive instincts that demand immediate gratification
What is the ego as part of the psychodynamic approach?
- balances the needs of the id and the superego
What is the superego as part of the psychodynamic approach?
- moralistic
- represents the ideal self (how we should be)
What are the 5 psychosexual stages in order?
- oral
- anal
- phallic
- latency
- genital
What are the evaluation points of the psychodynamic approach?
- Explanatory power
- The case study method
- Untestable concepts
- Practical Application
- Psychic Determinism
What is the humanistic theory?
emphasises the importance of subjective experience and people’s capacity for self-determination
How does free will play a part in the humanistic approach?
humans make choices and are not determined by biological/external forces
- reject scientific models that attempt to make general laws of behaviour
What are the levels in Maslow’s hierarchy of needs from bottom to top in the humanistic theory?
physiological needs
- safety and security
- love and belongingness
- self-esteem
- self-actualisation
What is congruence?
when the self-concept and ideal self are seen to broadly match
How does self-actualisation play a part in the humanistic approach?
desire to grow psychologically and fulfil your full potential
- highest level on Maslow’s hierarchy of needs
- lower levels must be met before
- personal growth=developing to become fulfilled and goal oriented
What are the evaluation point of the humanistic approach?
not reductionist
- limited application
- positive approach
- untestable concepts
- cultural bias
