Core Studies: Approaches principles and concepts

• Social approach

  All human behaviour occurs in a social context and is influenced by the social environment we are in. The actual, imagined or implied presence of others also impacts behaviour.
• Biological Approach

  Beh has a physiological origin and a biological basis. Differences are due to genetics and we inherit characters from our parents. Biological psychologists believe that genetic information is inherited but the environment the individuals are in can alter how genetics are demonstrated.
• Cognitive Approach

  Behaviour is the result of information processing. Internal mental processes such as memory and thinking are important features influencing behaviour. The human mind works like a computer, it inputs information, actively processes info around it through our experiences and interactions, and we decide appropriate output (behaviour).
• Individual Differences Approach

  All individuals differ in their beh and personal qualities, so not everyone can be considered the ‘average person’. Every indivdual is genetically unique and this uniqueness displayed through their behaviour. So everyone behaves differently.
• Developmental Approach


  There are clear and identifiable developments in behaviour as people progress through different life stages, from conception through to death. These changes in behaviour may be influenced by biological stages in development or by changes in our experiences of the environment.