Positive Evaluation

Question 1

Is the positive approach deterministic or free will?

Answer 1

Free will - individuals are not pre-determined or restricted and have personal freedom to develop

Question 1

Is free will a strength or weakness in the positive approach?

Answer 1

Strength - allows autonomy and empowerment
Weakness - Held (2002) this responsibility may cause self-blame and worsened condition

Question 2

Is the positive approach reductionist or holistic?

Answer 2

Holistic - takes into account a range of factors and takes individual differences and the whole person into account

Question 3

Is holism a strength or weakness in the positive approach?

Answer 3

Strength - focuses on various factors and allows a complete explanation to psychology

Question 4

Has the positive approach been applied to any areas of society?

Answer 4

Yes findings have been applied to therapies to benefit society as many schools offer mindfulness as part of the taught curriculum

Question 5

Are the applications of the positive approach a strength or weakness?

Answer 5

Strength - benefit many in society with mindful therapies and can help well-being

Question 6

Is the positive approach idiographic or nomothetic?

Answer 6

Both idiographic - recognises individual differences and using own thoughts to reflect
Nomothetic - scientific theories and studies that are applied to all human behaviour

Question 7

Is being nomothetic and idiographic a strength or weakness in the positive approach?

Answer 7

Strength - considers both sides of the argument and therefore does not limit the approach

Question 8

Is the positive approach nature or nurture?

Answer 8

Considers both as there is research supporting either side - 50% of happiness is due to genetics 10% to circumstances and 40% to intentional activity

Question 9

Is the interactionalism of the positive approach a strength or a weakness?

Answer 9

Strength - considers both sides and offers a more complete explanation to behaviour with other factors

Question 10

Is the positive approach scientific or unscientific?

Answer 10

Scientific - uses scientific including hypothesis, aims and methods that allows credibility for the theories

Question 11

Is the positive approach being scientific a strength or weakness?

Answer 11

Strength - allows positive psychology to be accepted and implicated into society with concepts such as mindfulness