Approaches AO1

• Introspection


  Wundt created a method to investigate the structure of the human mind by analysing thought processes
• Cognitive approach


  based on internal mental processes
• Schema

  • package of information to prepare for different situations and environments
  • developed from prior experience
  • organise and make short-cuts
  • lead to stereotypes
• Information processing model

  • Input (sees)
  • Process (decision)
  • Output (acts)
• Cognitive neuroscience (Miller and Gazzaniga)


  Investigate the neurological basis of thought processes and disorders

  • Leison studies - Phineas Gage
  • Neuroimaging - PET scans
• Behaviourism

  • born a blank slate
• Classical conditioning (Pavlov)


  learn through association - neutral stimulus paired with an unconditioned response
• Pavlov's study

  1. neutral stimulus (bell) produces no response
  2. unconditioned stimulus (food) = unconditioned response (salvation)
  3. stimuli become associated
  4. bell produces same response as food
  5. bell = conditioned stimulus = conditioned response (salvation)
• Operant conditioning (Skinner)


  learning through consequences

  1. positive reinforcement = more likely
  2. negative reinforcement = removes aversive consequence
  3. punishment = less likely
• Skinners study

  Skinner box containing a lever

  1. positive reinforcement - when given a food pellet more likely to press the lever
  2. negative reinforcement - press lever to stop electric shocks
  3. punishment - not press the lever so they don't get an electric shock
• Social learning theory


  human behaviour is learnt through imitating the behaviour we observe in role models
• Mediational processes

  four processes

  1. Attention - paid to role models
  2. Retention - observed behaviours memorised
  3. Motivation - indirect positive reinforcement (identification and self-efficacy)
  4. Reproduction - imitated
• Bandura's study (SLT)

  • 36 male and 36 female - 3 groups
  • condition 1 - adult role model agressive towards bobo doll
  • condition 2 - not aggressive
  • condition 3 - control
  • after 10 minutes, children left to play alone
• Biological approach


  human behaviour is caused by internal bodily functions
• Genetics

  genotype - genetic make-up

  phenotype - environmental effects

  Research: Holland - 56% concordance rates for anorexia in MZ twins and 5% in DZ twins
• Brain structure

  sz patients have enlarged ventricles in the brain
• Neurochemistry


  low levels of serotonin are common in sufferers in depression
• Psychodynamic approach

  behaviour is caused by unconscious conflicts
• Role of the unconscious (Freud)

  three levels of thought

  1. conscious mind
  2. preconscious mind
  3. unconscious mind
• Structure of personality (Freud)

  three elements

  1. Id - unconscious - pleasure principle - selfish
  2. Ego - conscious - reality principle - rational
  3. Superego - part-conscious, part unconscious - morality

  If the distribution of libido is relatively equal normal behaviour occurs but if unequal undesirable behaviour occurs
• Ego defence mechanism (Freud)

  3 defence mechanisms

  1. Repression - hurtful memories pushed out of conscious
  2. Denial - pretending a problem doesn't exist
  3. Displacement - passing on to a more acceptable target
• Psychosexual stages of development (Freud)

  if an unconscious conflict arises the child is overgratified/deprived they may become fixtated causing abnormal behavior

  1. Oral (0-18months) mouth - smoking
  2. Anal (18m-3years) anus - OCD
  3. Phalic (3years-6years) genitals - homosexuality
  4. Latency (6years-12years) - dormant
  5. Genital (12years+)
• Phallic stage

  boys - oedipus complex (fight for mothers affection) - Little Hans

  girls - elektra complex (penis envy)
• Humanistic approach


  people have free will and can choose how they behave
• Maslow's hierarchy of needs


  5 needs to promote personal growth

  1. Physiological (food/water)
  2. Safety (shelter)
  3. Love/belonging (family)
  4. Esteem (confidence)
  5. Self-actualization (satisfaction)
• Roger - congruence


  three selves must be consistent to be in a state of self actualization and it requires unconditional positive regard

  1. self-concept (see yourself)
  2. ideal self (want to be)
  3. real self (actually are)