Issues and debates with the psychodynamic approach

• What does androcentrism refer to?

  It refers to being centered on or dominated by males or a male point of view.
• How can androcentrism manifest in psychological theories?

  It can manifest as a conscious or unconscious bias towards male perspectives.
• What is alpha bias?

  Alpha bias refers to theories that exaggerate the differences between males and females.
• Can you give an example of alpha bias?


  Freud's theory about the oedipal conflict is an example of alpha bias.
• What is beta bias?

  Beta bias refers to theories that ignore or minimize sex differences.
• What assumption is often made in beta bias theories?

  It is often assumed that findings from males can apply equally to females.
• How can Freud's psychodynamic approach be criticized in terms of gender?

  It can be criticized for being androcentric, viewing females as weaker or inferior.
• What does Freud's androcentric view imply about the psychodynamic approach's explanation of female behaviors?

  It implies that the approach does not fully and objectively explain female behaviors.
• What is determinism?

  Determinism is the view that free will is an illusion and that our behavior is governed by internal and external forces.
• What is psychic determinism according to Freud?

  Psychic determinism is the idea that human behavior results from childhood experiences and innate drives.
• What are the components of Freud's model of psychological development?

  The components are the ID, ego, and superego.