AC 3.2 - Evaluate: Freud Psychodynamic Theory

• Disadvantages: Psychodynamic Theory


  • Method lacks ecological validity: Freud relied on small number of case studies, rather than e.g. quantitative data from larger samples
  • Untestable concepts e.g. unconscious mind - difficult to investigate scientifically
  • Limited effectiveness in treating anti-social behaviour or more complex psychological disorders that could contribute to criminality
• Advantages: Who supported Freud's Psychodynamic Theory?


  BLACKBURN (1993) - the inadequate superego is weak, over-harsh & deviant; BOWLBY'S Materal Deprivation theory (1944) - his 44 Juvenile Thieves study found that absence of any maternal bond led to affectionless psychopathy
• Advantage: Name two advantages of Freud's theory other than supporters


  Freud was among the first to link early childhood trauma to later adult behaviour

  Assumptions about role of the id ect. correspond to later findings about functions of areas of the brain e.g. pre-frontal vortex (decision making - RAINE et al.)