Psychodynamic

Question 1

What are the strengths of the Psychodynamic Perspective?

Answer 1

Allows us to recognise that childhood is a critical period and that unconscious influences can affect behaviour
Data is qualitative - can get a greater degree of understanding of human behaviour

Question 2

What are the weaknesses of the Psychodynamic Perspective?

Answer 2

No actual empirical evidence - no experiments
No way of testing whether the assumptions are true
Deterministic - predicts behaviour, assumes all will act the same way

Question 3

Similarities of Psychodynamic and Behaviourist Perspective

Answer 3

Both are based on deterministic assumptions

Both assume that humans have little free will and are driven by instincts

Question 4

Differences between Psychodynamic and Behaviourist Perspective

Answer 4

Psycho - no empirical evidence, based on non-tested evidence
Behav - opposite

Behav - uses animals, Psycho - no animals

Question 5

What is the Psychodynamic Perspective?

Answer 5

Early experiences are very important for it shapes personality and relationships + mind is split into three sections (the precocious, unconscious and conscious)
Conflicts in the unconscious manifest as phobias and mental illnesses