Humanistic approach

• Less deterministic

  This is because humanistic psychology allows for personal development and considers free will in behaviour. This means that individuals have the power to change their futures.
• Practical applications

  Led to the development of counselling.

  Elliott (2002)- found that humanistic therapy was more effective than having no treatment.
• Cannot test scientifically

  This is because Humanists believe it is inappropriate to study humans in a scientific way and make generalisations as we are all unique.

  
  

  Lacks objective evidence.
• Subjective

  This is because the subjective experience of the individual is difficult to test. For example, measuring self-actualisation. This also means that there is a lack of scientific evidence to support the theory.
• Culturally bound

  This is because the theory has been criticised for only explaining behaviour in individualist cultures (where the focus is on the self and personal development). E.g. self-actualisation is only relevant in these cultures. This means that it has limited explanatory power in collectivist cultures (where the focus is on the group and well-being of others).