Approaches Revision Summary

Introductory Notes

• This video summarizes key points from various approaches in psychology.
• For detailed explanations, refer to longer videos.
• Also available: a comparison video, blank comparison grid, psychology timeline, biopsychology worksheets, and tutorial support videos on Patreon.

Origins of Psychology

Wundt

• Father of experimental psychology.
• Established the first psychological lab in Leipzig, Germany, in the 1870s.
• Published the first academic journal for psychological experiments.
• Introduced controlled scientific research techniques to study the mind.
• Used introspection to study conscious experiences.
• Trained participants to report experiences objectively, focus on sensory objects, and systematically report experiences.

Evaluation of Wundt

• His work was scientific for its time but is now considered subjective and unscientific.
• Introduced inference to identify internal mental states, criticized as assumptions are prone to errors.
• Influenced cognitive psychology and behaviorists.

Learning Approaches

Behaviorist Approach

• Behavior is learned through experience and environmental interaction.
• Associated with Pavlov (classical conditioning) and Skinner (operant conditioning).

Classical Conditioning (Pavlov)

• Learning by association.
• Neutral Stimulus (NS) paired with Unconditioned Stimulus (UCS) to produce a conditioned response.
• Example: Dog salivating at a metronome's sound after associating it with food.

Operant Conditioning (Skinner)

• Learning by reinforcement.
• Positive and negative reinforcement to increase behavior; punishment to decrease behavior.
• Example: Rats in a Skinner box learning to press a lever for food.

Evaluation

• Considered scientific but findings from animal studies may not fully apply to humans.
• Criticized as overly reductionist; does not account for complex social and cultural factors.
• Practical applications in therapies but can be seen as manipulative (e.g., gambling, social media).

Social Learning Theory (SLT)

• Combines behaviorism with cognitive processes.
• Mediational processes (attention, retention, reproduction, motivation) occur between stimulus and response.
• Observing others influences behavior (vicarious reinforcement/punishment).

Bandura's Bobo Doll Study (1961)

• Children mimicked aggressive behavior observed in adults.
• Boys more likely to imitate aggressive male models.

Evaluation

• Supported by evidence like the Bobo Doll study but ecological validity can be questioned.
• SLT is less reductionist than behaviorism and considers consciousness and rationality.
• Concept of reciprocal determinism well-accepted.

Cognitive Approach

• Studies internal mental processes (attention, perception, memory).
• Uses inferences to understand mental processes.

Schema

• Mental frameworks to quickly understand the world.
• Can lead to biases and inaccurate memories.

Theoretical Models

• Representations of mental processes, like the multistore model of memory.
• Computer model: brain compared to CPU.

Cognitive Neuroscience

• Studies neurological structures linked to cognitive processes.
• Uses techniques like PET and fMRI scanning.

Evaluation

• Considered scientific due to controlled experiments and large samples.
• Criticized for making inferences, not directly observable.
• Computer analogy seen as simplistic and reductionist.
• Practical applications in CBT (Cognitive Behavioral Therapy).
• Soft determinism: experiences shape thought but consciousness provides control.

Biological Approach

Influence of Biological Structures

• Endocrine systems and hormones influence behavior.
• Brain’s different lobes linked to specific behaviors (e.g., frontal lobe to rational decision-making).

Neurotransmitters

• Chemical messengers influencing behavior (e.g., serotonin, dopamine).

Genes and Behavior

• Genes influence brain and neuron formation (e.g., COMT gene in OCD).
• Distinguishes between genotype and phenotype.

Evolutionary Psychology

• Argues innate behaviors evolve for survival advantages.
• Example: male aggression for protection and competition.

Evaluation

• Supported by empirical studies and practical applications like drug therapies.
• Criticized for biological determinism which impacts views on criminal behavior.

Psychodynamic Approach (Freud)

Structure of the Psyche

• Conscious, preconscious, unconscious.
• Id (pleasure principle), Ego (reality principle), Superego (morality principle).

Defense Mechanisms

• Denial, displacement, repression.

Psychosexual Stages

• Oral (0-1 years), Anal (1-3 years), Phallic (3-5 years; Oedipus/Electra complex), Latency (6-12 years), Genital (12+ years).

Evaluation

• Influential but criticized for lack of scientific credibility.
• Concepts are often untestable and lack falsifiability.
• Positive practical application in psychoanalytic therapy.

Humanistic Psychology

• Opposes reductionism and advocates for holistic approach.
• Emphasizes free will, personal agency, and self-actualization.

Maslow's Hierarchy of Needs

• Physiological, safety, love/belonging, esteem, self-actualization.

Carl Rogers

• Congruence between perceived self and ideal self is essential.
• Client-centered therapy focuses on unconditional positive regard and self-expertise.

Evaluation

• Considered non-scientific but captures human complexity better than reductionist approaches.
• Emphasis on free will has face validity.
• Practical applications: Maslow’s hierarchy in sports and businesses.
• Criticized for cultural bias towards Western individualism.

Additional Resources

• Test yourself on the approaches unit with the Py Boost app (free on iOS and Android).
• Patreon support for additional resources and tutorial videos.

Good luck with your revision!