Week 1 Foundations

Question 1

Name the 5 Major perspectives of Psychology

Answer 1

Psychodynamic, Behaviourist, Humanistic, Cognitive, Evolutionary

Question 2

Explain: Psychodynamic approach

Answer 2

The belief that the conscious and unconscious interact to control our thoughts and feelings. Implies that behaviour is controlled by our unconscious elements,

Question 3

Explain: Behaviourism

Answer 3

Study of behaviour. The belief that psychology should only study overt behaviour. Focus on “nature vs nurture”, and that nurture defines behaviour. Relates environmental stimuli to overt behaviour.

Question 4

Explain: Humanistic perspective

Answer 4

Optimistic and focuses on unique human qualities, in particular the potential for human growth and “sense of self”. Believes that humans are innately good and strive towards goals and ambitions.

Question 5

Explain: Cognitive perspective

Answer 5

Interest in consciousness and physiological basis for behaviour. Studies internal cognition, and the processes of perceiving and processing information.

Question 6

Explain: Evolutionary perspective

Answer 6

Natural selection, as applied to human behaviours. Includes natural selection, reproductive success, biological determinism. Focuses heavily on sexual behaviour, decision making and spatial differences between sexes.

Question 7

Describe “Overt Behaviour”

Answer 7

Behaviours which can be directly observed e.g. Smiling, Crying

Question 8

Describe “Covert Behaviour”

Answer 8

Behaviour which can not be directly observed e.g. Thoughts, Feelings

Question 9

Name the two early concepts of Psychology.

Answer 9

Structuralism and Functionalism

Question 10

Structuralism: Who was the proponent of it, and what is it’s associated method?

Answer 10

Wilhelm Wundt, Introspection (Careful, systematic observation of one’s own conscious experience)

Question 11

Functionalism: Who was the proponent of it, and what is the underpinning ideal?

Answer 11

William James, Consciousness consists of a flow of thoughts, in interaction with the environment. How do people adapt their behaviour to the demands of the environment?

Question 12

Psychodynamic approach: Who was the proponent of it? Explain the viewpoint and/or metaphor associated with it.

Answer 12

Sigmund Freud. The belief that the conscious and the unconscious interact to control our thoughts and behaviours.
“Awareness is like an iceberg, consciousness is the tip.”

Question 13

Behaviourism: Who was the proponent of it? Explain the viewpoint and/or metaphor associated with it.

Answer 13

J.B Watson. Defined psychology as the study of overt behaviour. Strong emphasis on nurture over nature.
“Free will is an illusion”

Question 14

Humanistic Perspective: Who was the proponent of it? Explain the viewpoint and/or metaphor associated with it.

Answer 14

Carl Rogers & Abraham Maslow. The belief that humans are innately good and will strive to achieve their goals, Human behaviour is governed by “sense of self”.
“Life is like a bottle of milk, the cream rises to the top.”

Question 15

Cognitive Perspective: Who was the proponent of it? Explain the viewpoint associated with it.

Answer 15

Piaget, Miller, Chomsky, Newell, Shaw & Simon. Must study internal mental events to completely understand behaviour. Includes memory, concept formation, problem solving, memory.

Question 16

Evolutionary Perspective: Who was the proponent of it? Explain the viewpoint and/or metaphor associated with it

Answer 16

Charles Darwin, David Buss. Belief that some behaviours are biologically determined (food, sexual impulse). Belief that patterns of behaviour are products of evolution.
“We are all runners in a race, competing for resources.”