9.4.1 Applying Theories to Real-World Issues

• What is a psychological theory designed to do?

  Explain human behavior
• Real-world issues are challenges affecting individuals, groups, or society
• Psychological theories are primarily concerned with predicting behavior.
• What is one key factor to consider when identifying relevant psychological theories?

  Empirical support
• The Cognitive Theory is strong in explaining cognitive distortions related to depression.
• The Cognitive Theory is highly applicable in therapies like CBT
• What is a key focus of the Biological Theory in relation to depression?

  Neurochemical factors
• Choosing the most appropriate theory requires considering its strengths and limitations.
• What is the primary goal of understanding the core concepts of a psychological theory?

  Relating it to behavior
• The Cognitive Theory focuses on cognitive distortions and negative thought patterns
• The Biological Theory emphasizes neurotransmitter imbalance as a core concept.
• What is one core concept of the Biological Theory related to brain function?

  Brain structure
• The Biological Theory focuses on genetic predisposition and neurotransmitter imbalance
• Match the theory with its core concepts:

  Cognitive Theory ↔️ Negative thought patterns

  Biological Theory ↔️ Genetic predisposition
• The Cognitive Theory emphasizes the role of cognitive distortions in mental health issues like depression
• The Biological Theory focuses on genetic and neurochemical factors.
• What is the core belief of the Cognitive Theory regarding mental health issues?

  Thoughts and distortions
• What are the core concepts of the Biological Theory?

  Genetic predisposition, neurotransmitter imbalance, brain structure
• The Biological Theory highlights the role of neurotransmitter imbalance in mental health, such as a deficiency in serotonin
• The Cognitive Theory emphasizes the role of environmental factors in mental health.

  False
• What is the purpose of a psychological theory?

  Explain and predict behavior
• Real-world issues include challenges such as mental health disorders and discrimination
• Empirical support is a key factor in evaluating the relevance of a psychological theory.
• Steps for analyzing real-world issues using psychological theories

  1️⃣ Understand the issue

  2️⃣ Select relevant theories

  3️⃣ Apply theoretical frameworks

  4️⃣ Evaluate explanations

  5️⃣ Develop actionable strategies
• What is a limitation of the Biological Theory when applied to depression?

  Ignores environmental influences
• The Cognitive Theory may oversimplify complex interactions in mental health issues.
• Balancing theoretical approaches leads to a more comprehensive understanding of mental health issues like depression
• Match the concepts with their descriptions:

  Psychological Theory ↔️ Explanatory frameworks for human behavior

  Real-World Issue ↔️ Practical problems affecting society

  Purpose of Theory ↔️ Understand and predict behavior

  Example of Issue ↔️ Depression
• What are the key factors to consider when identifying relevant psychological theories?

  Explanation adequacy, empirical support, predictive accuracy, practical applicability, simplicity
• What is the purpose of psychological theories?

  To understand and predict behavior
• When applying psychological knowledge, it's crucial to identify relevant psychological theories
• The Cognitive Theory has excellent predictive accuracy for identifying at-risk individuals.
• What does the Biological Theory focus on in relation to depression?

  Genetic and neurochemical factors
• Match the theory with its key focus:

  Cognitive Theory ↔️ Thought patterns

  Biological Theory ↔️ Neurochemical factors
• What role do cognitive distortions play in the Cognitive Theory's explanation of depression?

  They are a core concept
• Neurotransmitter imbalance is a core concept of the Biological Theory.
• What type of therapy is commonly used to address depression according to the Cognitive Theory?

  CBT
• The Cognitive and Biological theories offer complementary explanations for depression.
• What is a limitation of the Cognitive Theory in explaining depression?

  It may overlook biological factors
• What is a limitation of the Biological Theory in explaining depression?

  It ignores environmental influences