Approaches to Psychology Revision

Overview

• Video summarizes key points of various psychological approaches.
• Comparison of approaches is covered in a separate video.
• Offers additional resources and tutorial support via Patreon.

Origins of Psychology

• Wilhelm Wundt: Father of experimental psychology.
  • Established world's first psychology lab in Leipzig, Germany (1870s).
  • Published first psychology journal.
  • Pioneered use of scientific research techniques in psychology.
  • Used introspection to study conscious experiences.

Evaluation

• Wundt's methods considered scientific for the time.
• Criticized for subjective introspection not being fully scientific.
• Influenced development of cognitive psychology methods.

Learning Approaches

Behaviorist Approach

• Behavior is learned through environment.
• Ivan Pavlov: Classical conditioning.
  • Learning by association.
• B.F. Skinner: Operant conditioning.
  • Learning by reinforcement.

Evaluation

• Scientific due to measurability and replicability.
• Criticized for over-reliance on animal studies and reductionism.

Social Learning Theory (SLT)

• Integrates behaviorist principles with cognitive processes.
• Key Processes: Attention, retention, reproduction, motivation.
• Bandura: Bobo doll study demonstrated imitation of observed behavior.

Evaluation

• Supported by evidence like the Bobo doll study.
• More comprehensive than behaviorism due to consideration of cognitive factors.

Cognitive Approach

• Studies internal mental processes: attention, perception, memory.
• Uses inferences to study unobservable processes.
• Schema: Mental frameworks aiding understanding but can cause bias.
• Theoretical Models: E.g., multistore memory model.
• Cognitive Neuroscience: Uses brain imaging (PET, fMRI).

Evaluation

• Considered scientific but criticized for being overly simplistic (computer analogy).
• Practical applications in therapies like CBT.

Biological Approach

• Focuses on biological structures and their effect on behavior.
• Neurotransmitters: E.g., serotonin, dopamine.
• Genetic Influence: Genes affect brain function and behavior.
• Evolutionary Psychology: Behavior adapted for survival.

Evaluation

• Backed by empirical research and scientific methods.
• Criticized for being deterministic and reductionist.

Psychodynamic Approach

• Originated by Freud.
• Mind has conscious, preconscious, unconscious.
• Personality Structure: Id, ego, superego.
• Defense Mechanisms: Denial, displacement, repression.

Evaluation

• Influenced modern psychology but criticized for lack of scientific rigor.
• Practical applications in psychoanalysis.

Humanistic Psychology

• Advocates holistic approach, free will, and personal agency.
• Maslow's Hierarchy of Needs: Pathway to self-actualization.
• Carl Rogers: Client-centered therapy emphasizes personal growth.

Evaluation

• Lacks empirical evidence, considered non-scientific.
• Valued for holistic view and practical applications in enhancing well-being.

Additional Resources

• Further learning available through Patreon and other platform subscriptions.
• Encouragement to utilize apps and resources for exam preparation.