Week 3.1 - Psychodynamic Approach

Question 1

define structuralism

Answer 1

belief that we need to study the structure of the brain

Question 2

define functionalism

Answer 2

want psychology to focus on understanding the purpose of the mind

Question 3

define gestalt approach

Answer 3

looking at a concept as a whole and not analysing individual parts

Question 4

define evolutionary approach

Answer 4

accounts for everything that has occurred through evolution

Question 5

define socio-cultural appraoch

Answer 5

how we are influenced by wider society

Question 6

what are the 3 methods of investigation ?

Answer 6

• experimental
• observational
• case study

Question 7

define conscious mind

Answer 7

thoughts, emotions, behaviours

Question 8

define unconscious mind

Answer 8

repressed thoughts, dreams

Question 9

define nomothetic approach

Answer 9

focuses on identifiable ‘laws’ which apply to everyone and can be used to draw comparisons

Question 10

define idiographic appraoches

Answer 10

focuses on unique characteristics and building a detailed picture of an individual

Question 11

what are the key components of the psychodynamic appraoch

Answer 11

• unconscious motives
• human behaviour reflects inner conflict
• nothing is accidental (Freudian slips)

Question 12

define Id

Answer 12

seeks to obtain pleasure and avoid pain (pleasure principle)

Question 13

define ego

Answer 13

emerges as a child develops to mediated between Id and superego

Question 14

define superego

Answer 14

the moral centre

Question 15

how is the psychodynamic approach related to sport ?

Answer 15

• not all behaviour of an athlete are under conscious control
• more success approach than others (skiers)