Approaches Evaluation

Question 1

Behaviourism-Strengths

Answer 1

• Scientific Credibility- Uses scientific method, lab experiments
• Real Life Applications- Behaviourist techniques can be used for Token Economy or phobia treatment

Question 2

Behaviourism-Weakness

Answer 2

• Mechanistic view of behaviour- no cognitive insight into behaviour
• Enviromentally Determinist

Question 3

Social Learning Theory-Strengths

Answer 3

• Provides a more comprehensive explanation of learning as it recognises cognitive factors in the learning processes
• Explains cultural differences in behaviour

Question 4

Social Learning Theory-Weaknesses

Answer 4

• Over reliant on evidence from lab studies- Evidence may not show how people learn- Demand Characteristics could occur
• Underestimates biological factors on behaviour

Question 5

Cognitive Approach- Strength

Answer 5

-Uses scientific and objective methods- the use of lab studies- Credible and scientific theory

Question 6

Cognitive Approach-Weaknesses

Answer 6

• Machine reductionist- ignores human emotion and motivation on cognitive processes
• Lacks external validity- studies are using unrealistic stimuli that does not represent everyday cognitive processes

Question 7

Biological Approach-Strength

Answer 7

• Scientific methods of investigation- Uses brain scans, drug trials and family or twin studies- Approach is based on reliable data
• Real life application- Understanding of biological processes help to the development of drugs to cure depression

Question 8

Biological Approach-Weakness

Answer 8

• Casual Connections- for some idea, the biological approach claims to discover causes of things, but it has only discovered an association
• Determinist view of behaviour- All behaviour is due to biology

Question 9

Psychodynamic Approach-Strengths

Answer 9

• Explanatory Power-The theory has been used to explain a wide range of behaviours, and has made people focus on their parental relationships in childhood and what effects that has on their later life
• Practical Application-Can be used in Psychoanalysis, a form of therapy

Question 10

Psychodynamic Approach-Weaknessess

Answer 10

• Case Study Methods-Freud based his theory on case studies and individuals that used Freud as their therapist. His interpretations are biased for Freud’s ideas- Less scientific and biased
• Untestable Concepts-Because the ideas of this theory all occurs in the subconscious mind, the theory cannot be proved or disproved. This makes this theory a Pseudoscience (Fake science)

Question 11

Humanistic Approach-Strengths

Answer 11

• Not Reductionist- Behaviour is broken up into smaller components. Humanists advocate Holism. This approach may be more valid than the other approaches as it considers behaviour in everyday concepts
• Positive Approach- The approach “Brings the human back into psychology”. It offers a optimistic approach, seeing all people as good, have free will and free to work to their lives achievements

Question 12

Humanistic Approach-Weaknesses

Answer 12

• Limited Application- Can only be used in counselling or to increase motivation in a work place, but cannot really be used in any other situation-Due to it lacking sound evidence and the approach being a set a concepts, not a comprehensive theory
• Untestable Concepts- Approach is a set of ideas and difficult to test. It has been described as anti-scientific