Psychodynamic Approach Evaluation

Question 1

What are the 4 points?

Answer 1

• Freud’s case study method (weakness)
• practical application (strength)
• untestable concepts (weakness)
• big influence on psychology (strength)

Question 2

Case study method (explain)

Answer 2

His theory was based on intensive study of individuals (often in therapy)

Question 3

Case study method (expand)

Answer 3

His observations were detailed + carefully recorded

Critics - impossible to make universal claims about human nature based
on studies small sample whom psychologically abnormal

Question 4

Case study method (link)

Answer 4

Findings cannot be generalised

Because of small individual sample

Question 5

Practical application (explain)

Answer 5

Freud brought world new form of therapy : psychoanalysis

Used in many modern psycho therapies

Criticised - inappropriate/harmful for people suffering from severe mental disorders (schizophrenia)

Question 6

Define psychoanalysis

Answer 6

Employing range of techniques designed to access the unconscious

Question 7

Practical application (expand)

Answer 7

Symptoms of schizophrenia= paranoia + delusional thinking

Loosing grip of reality + cannot articulate thoughts same as others

Analysis of unconscious by stranger likely to exacerbate symptoms

Question 8

Practical application (link)

Answer 8

Hi

Question 9

Lacks testability + falsifiability (explain)

Answer 9

Strength - the idea that early experiences is important
Parent child relationships can affect development

BUT cannot prove ID, ego, superego
(Said to occur at unconscious level - impossible to test)

Question 10

Lacks testability + falsifiability (expand)

Answer 10

Criticised - biased + overemphasising sexual drives in children

Validity therefore questioned

Question 11

Lacks testability + falsifiability (Link)

Answer 11

There is a limitation for the theory

Question 12

Big influence on psychology (explain)

Answer 12

Alongside behaviourism, PA remained a dominant force in psychology for a long period of time

Used to explain wide range of phenomena
(Personality development, abnormal behaviour)

Question 13

Big influence on psychology (expand)

Answer 13

Significant in drawing connection between childhood experiences & adult characteristics

Question 14

Big influence on psychology (Link)

Answer 14

Strength - large influence on psychology