psychodynamic - AO3

• What is one major criticism of Freudian theory?

  Lack of scientific evidence
• What is the primary way that Freud developed and supported his theories?

  Through case studies and interpreting his clients memories, introspections and dreams
• Define falsifiability

  The ability to demonstrate a theory is incorrect
• What do cognitive theorists accept regarding unconscious processes?

  That there are processes below the level of awareness that influence perception, memory formation, and language
• strengths of psychodynamic approach

  • real world application
  • explanatory power
• What key contribution did the psychodynamic approach make to mental health treatment?

  It introduced psychotherapy (e.g., psychoanalysis) as a psychological alternative to physical treatments.
• What is psychoanalysis and who developed it?

  A form of therapy developed by Freud that aims to access the unconscious mind to treat mental disorders
• What techniques are used in psychoanalysis?

  Techniques like dream analysis and free association to uncover repressed thoughts
• How does psychoanalysis help clients?

  By bringing repressed emotions into conscious awareness so they can be addressed
• What is the long-term impact of psychoanalysis?

  It laid the foundation for modern talking therapies, such as counselling
• What is a key limitation of psychoanalysis in treating mental disorders?

  It is inappropriate and potentially harmful for serious disorders like schizophrenia
• Why is psychoanalysis unsuitable for people with schizophrenia

  Symptoms like delusions and paranoia make it difficult for patients to engage with therapy or express thoughts clearly
• What does the limitation of psychoanalysis in treating schizophrenia suggest about Freudian theory?

  That it may not be applicable to all types of mental disorders
• What is a strength of Freud’s theory in terms of its influence?

  It has had a major influence on psychology and wider culture, despite being controversial.
• What human behaviours has the psychodynamic approach helped explain?

  Personality development, psychological disorders, moral development, and gender identity.
• How did the psychodynamic approach contribute to our understanding of development?

  It highlighted the importance of childhood experiences and parental relationships.
• What broader impact has the psychodynamic approach had outside of psychology?

  It influenced literature, art, and other areas of human thought
• What is a key scientific criticism of the psychodynamic approach?

  It is untestable and doesn’t meet the criteria for falsification
• Why are Freud’s concepts like the Id and Oedipus complex difficult to test?

  They are said to occur in the unconscious mind, making them inaccessible to empirical testing
• What is a methodological issue with Freud’s evidence base?

  It was based on subjective case studies (e.g., Little Hans), limiting generalisability
• What did Karl Popper say about the psychodynamic approach?

  He argued it was pseudoscientific because it can't be disproved through scientific testing
• What does the psychodynamic approach say causes most of our behaviour?

  Unconscious conflicts rooted in childhood
• According to Freud, what do 'slips of the tongue' reveal?

  They are not accidents but reveal unconscious thoughts and desires.
• What is a limitation of the psychodynamic view of psychic determinism?

  It is seen as too extreme because it ignores the role of free will.
• What are the key strengths of the psychodynamic approach?

  • Introduced psychotherapy (e.g., psychoanalysis)
  • Helped explain a wide range of behaviours (e.g., personality, development)
  • Highlighted the importance of childhood experiences
  • Influenced psychology and wider culture (e.g., art, literature)
• What are the key limitations of the psychodynamic approach?

  • Based on untestable, unfalsifiable concepts
  • Lacks scientific credibility (pseudoscientific)
  • Inappropriate for serious mental disorders (e.g., schizophrenia)
  • Overly deterministic — ignores free will