S+W’s Areas+Perspectives Flashcards
1
Q
Behaviourist Perspective
Strengths+Weaknesses
A
STRENGTHS
- Involves controlled experimental methods so more reliable
- Scientific research carried out
WEAKNESSES
- Less ecologically valid
- Reductionist (ignores nature)
- Deterministic (no free will)
2
Q
Psychodynamic Perspective
Strengths+Weaknesses
A
STRENGTHS
- Qualitative data
- Useful applications for treatments for patients with disorders
WEAKNESSES
- Unscientific (subjective interpretations)
- Can lack validity
- Deterministic (no free will)
3
Q
Biological Area
Strengths+Weaknesses
A
STRENGTHS
- Quasi experiment allows researcher to measure naturally occurring independent variable
- Scientific research carried out
- Technology (accurate data)
WEAKNESSES
- Ethnocentric sample
- Socially sensitive
- Reductionist (ignore situational)
- Can rely on self report
4
Q
Cognitive Area
Strengths+Weaknesses
A
STRENGTHS
- Lab experiments collect data more scientifically so more reliable
- Useful applications to improve memory
WEAKNESSES
- Can often rely on self-report when carrying out tasks leading to demand characteristics
- Lack of ecological validity
5
Q
Developmental Area
Strengths+Weaknesses
A
STRENGTHS
- Useful applications
- Longitudinal studies show changes over time
- Less Reductionist
WEAKNESSES
- Ethical issues with children
- issues with long studies (drop out rate, increase difficulty to carry out)
6
Q
Individual Differences Area
Strengths+Weaknesses
A
STRENGTHS
- Explains the differences between people
- Helps understand what causes disorders and can lead to treatments
WEAKNESSES
- Case study methods and focussing on abnormal behaviour make results hard to generalise
- Socially sensitive
7
Q
Social Area
Strengths+Weaknesses
A
STRENGTHS
- Field experiments used which increases ecological validity
- Helps explain real world events
- Useful practical applications
WEAKNESSES
- Ethical guidelines broken (consent, right to withdraw)
- Ethnocentric
