1. Approaches in Psychology

2. Biological Approach -
The Physiological Approach – concentrates on the ways in which bodily activity can explain behaviour
The Medical Approach – explains and treats mental disorders in terms of physical illness. Assumes that mental illness can be described in terms of clusters of symptoms and treated by means of medication
The Nativist View - where behaviour can be explained n terms of inherited behaviour

3. Evaluation of Biological Approach -
Strengths –
As methods used scientific (especially physiological approach), objective, quantitative data can be obtained
Has many practical applications such as the use of drugs to treat for example mental illness or stress

4. Weaknesses –
It tends to underestimate the role of nurture and the influence of free will on our behaviour – gives impression that humans are powerless in face of their biological endowment
Rather simplistic – does not give full credit to complex interplay of body and mind or role of emotion and conciousness on our thoughts and behaviour

5. Behavioural Approach -
Bandura – Bobo doll –

6. Evaluation of Behavioural Approach -
Strengths –
Emphasises importance of learning on behaviour – learning does play a fundamental part
Lends itself well to scientific methodology – can be studied and measured very easily

7. Weaknesses –
Takes no account of conciousness, subjective experience or the role of emotions
Underestimates the role of biological factors in influencing behaviour
Insufficient to explain more complex behaviours such as the acquisition of language

8. Describe how the Behavioural approach might explain the behaviour of Errol -
All the people who know Errol agree that he is a very attractive young man. He has a fine dress sense, a muscular physique and handsome features. Errol is short sighted however and is tired of wearing contact lenses as he found them uncomfortable. He was prescribed glasses but he only rarely wears them because he thinks they spoil his good looks. Some people think he is extremely vain.

9. Explain your answer from each of the three learning theories -
Classical Conditioning – Errol has learned to associate admiration with a muscular physique and an attractive face. He views an attractive face without glasses.
Operant Conditioning - Errol could be vain because he has seen others, including powerful and attractive male media figures being admired (rewarded). Admiration from others is a powerful positive reinforcer.
Social learning - Errol would have observed other people’s reactions to physically attractive people and also physically unattractive people such as people who wear glasses!

10. Examples of Freud’s symbols for sexual fantasies -
Male genital organs - bullets, knives, snakes, weapons Female sexual organs – caves, jars, ovens, tunnels Sexual intercourse – entering a room, riding a horse, climbing a ladder Breasts – apples, peaches

14. Evaluation of the Psychodynamic Approach -
Strengths –
Freud’s theory changed the Western view of human nature and led to the importance of early childhood experience on later behaviour
Approach helped us to recognise the need to acknowledge urges that are dangerous to ignore and that there is a difference in acknowledging them to acting on them

15. Weaknesses –
Theory lacks empirical support
Theory is unfalsifiable e.g. No way of knowing whether the psychoanalyst’s analysis of symbols is correct
Some evidence not supported e.g. little evidence for the Oedipus complex or for penis envy

16. Look at the following -
KTW LPK RDF PYH

17. Now count backwards in three’s from 20 -

18. BDR JFH VNL EQS

19. Now count backwards in three’s from 30 -

20. Evaluation of the Cognitive Approach -
Strengths –
Takes account of the influence of mental processes on behaviour
Has many practical applications e.g. offered advice on improving memory, improving problem solving skills and therapies for mental disorders

21. Weaknesses –
A very mechanistic approach which compares humans to machines – computers don’t get bored, tired and make mistakes. Also the human brain has far greater abilities than even a very sophisticated computer
Use of lab experiments limited – behaviour shown in labs not necessarily the behaviour in everyday situations

22. Milgram’s experiment – http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BcvSNg0HZwk

23. Maslow’s hierarchy of needs -

24. Evaluation of the Humanistic Approach -
Strengths –
Approach is optimistic, it takes a positive view of human nature and offers hope for people to take control of their lives and achieve fulfilment
Been valuable in taking account of individuals’ subjective experience i.e. Importance of self esteem for example, a crucial concept for satisfactory living

25. Weaknesses –
Main concepts rather vague and untestable e.g. How do you measure self actualisation?
Too much emphasis on the welfare of the individual rather than others – approach accused of having a Western, individualistic orientation in which the needs of the individual are the main focus at the expense of the well-being of others