Week 2: Introducing Psychological Approaches

Question 1

What is Psychology?

Answer 1

Psychology is the scientific study of human behaviour and mind.

Psychology is an empirical discipline.

Question 2

Sigmund Freud: The Psychodynamic Approach

Answer 2

The Psychodynamic approach focuses on the role of internal processes in shaping personality and behaviour.

The Psychodynamic Approach includes:

o Conscious
o Preconscious
o Unconscious

Question 3

John B. Watson: The Behaviourist Approach & Personality

Answer 3

The Behaviourist Approach AKA learning approach.

o Behaviourism focuses on what may be objectively observed and measured

Question 4

Charles Darwin: The Biological Approach

Answer 4

The Biological Approach says behaviour is determined within our genes.

Question 5

The Humanistic Approach

Answer 5

Humanistic Approach focuses on the individual’s perception and experience of the world.

Humanistic Approach states that every human-being is unique, and can transform and grow.

Question 6

The Cognitive Approach

Answer 6

Cognitive Approach enables information processing.

Brains re-organise and add meaning to what we perceive based upon past experience.