Psychology Approaches Revision for A-level

Overview

These notes cover the Approaches in Psychology subtopic (3.2.1) from the AQA A-level Psychology syllabus: Paper 2: Psychology in Context, distinguishing between AO1 (demonstrate knowledge and understanding) and AO3 (analyse, interpret, and evaluate).

Behaviorist Approach

Assumptions (AO1)

• Behavior is learned from the environment (tabula rasa).
• Focus on observable and measurable behavior.
• Use of animals in experiments to extrapolate to humans.
• Scientific and objective, favoring laboratory experiments.

Classical Conditioning (AO1)

• Learning by association; demonstrated by Ivan Pavlov.
• Dogs conditioned to salivate to a bell associated with food.

Operant Conditioning (AO1)

• Learning by consequences; argued by Skinner.
• Positive reinforcement, negative reinforcement, and punishment.

Skinner Box (1953) (AO1)

• Experiments with rats and pigeons in controlled conditions.
• Reinforcement schedules and their effects on behavior.

Applications (AO3)

• Understanding of attachment through learning theory.
• Application in phobia treatments and token economy systems.

Evaluation (AO3)

1. Scientific Credibility: Methodological rigor.
2. Mechanistic View of Behavior: Criticism of environmental determinism.
3. Animal Research Ethics: Extrapolation and ethical concerns.
4. Ignores Mental Processes: Rise of cognitive approaches.

Social Learning Theory (SLT)

Assumptions (AO1)

• Learning through observation and imitation (Bandura).
• Mediational processes: attention, retention, motor reproduction, and motivation.

Vicarious Reinforcement (AO1)

• Learning by observing rewards/punishments of others.

Stages of SLT (AO1)

1. Attention
2. Retention
3. Motor Reproduction
4. Motivation

Identification and Modelling (AO1)

• Role models and vicarious reinforcement.

Bobo Doll Study (AO3)

• Children's imitation of aggression.

Applications (AO3)

• Media influence on behavior and legal implications.

Evaluation (AO3)

• Cognitive factors in learning.
• Research support and cultural differences.
• Real-life applications.
• Underestimates biological factors.
• Lab studies and validity concerns.

Cognitive Approach

Assumptions (AO1)

• Focus on internal mental processes.
• Influence from computer science.

Role of Schemas (AO1)

• Mental frameworks affecting perception and memory.

Emergence of Neuroscience (AO1)

• Brain imaging techniques to study cognitive processes.

Research Methods (AO1)

• Laboratory experiments and case studies.

Applications (AO3)

• Development of cognitive interviews and CBT.

Evaluation (AO3)

• Scientific method strengths and ecological validity challenges.
• Practical applications and reductionist critique.

Biological Approach

Assumptions (AO1)

• Behavior influenced by biological factors.

Genetic Factors (AO1)

• Heredity and influence on behavior.
• Twin studies.

Genotype and Phenotype (AO1)

• Genetic code vs. expressed characteristics.

Evolution (AO1)

• Natural selection and behavior adaptation.

Applications (AO3)

• Drug development for mental disorders.

Evaluation (AO3)

• Scientific research methods.
• Real-life applications and determinist critique.

Psychodynamic Approach

Assumptions (AO1)

• Behavior explained by inner conflicts.

Tripartite Personality (AO1)

• Id, ego, and superego structure.

The Mind (AO1)

• Conscious, preconscious, and unconscious mind.

Defense Mechanisms (AO1)

• Repression, displacement, and denial.

Psychosexual Stages of Development (AO1)

• Oral to genital stages.

Applications (AO3)

• Influence on therapy and importance of childhood.

Evaluation (AO3)

• Abstract concepts and methodological critiques.
• Determinist stance.

Humanistic Psychology

Assumptions (AO1)

• Unique perceptions and understanding.
• Free will and self-determination.

Self-actualisation (AO1)

• Growth towards potential.

Applications (AO3)

• Client-centered therapy.

Evaluation (AO3)

• Holistic view and non-scientific methods.

Issues and Debates

Free will vs. Determinism

• Differences across approaches, with behaviorism being determinist and humanism emphasizing free will.

Nature vs. Nurture

• Varying emphasis, with biological approach leaning towards nature and behaviorist/social learning focusing on nurture.

Holism vs. Reductionism

• Behavioral and cognitive approaches are more reductionist.

Idiographic vs. Nomothetic

• Approaches vary in their focus on individual uniqueness or universal laws.

Scientific Methods

• Behaviorist and biological approaches use scientific methods, while others may rely on qualitative data.