scientific methodology

• Behaviourism

  Behaviourists are seen as highly scientific as they focus entirely on observable stimuli and responses, for example, Pavlov's and Skinner's experiments. Their work, using large samples and controlled conditions, allows for precise replication of findings on conditioning.
• SLT

  Social learning theorists use experimental methods and large samples to investigate concepts like modelling, vicarious reinforcement, and mediational processes. However, as these internal mental processes cannot be directly observed but are inferred from behaviour, these inferences could be mistaken, this reduces the approach's scientific credibility.
• Cognitive approach

  Cognitive psychologists use controlled experiments to support theories like the working memory model. However, as the models represent internal mental processes that cannot be directly observed, only inferred from behaviour, cognitive psychology is not considered fully scientific.
• Biological approach

  Biological psychologists study directly observable physical processes such as brain activity; they also use objective measuring devices such a fMRI scanners, DNA sequencers and blood tests. Large-scale placebo-controlled trials are used to test drugs. This focuses on objective measurement means biological psychology is seen as highly scientific.
• Psychodynamic approach

  Freud based his theories on case studies; clients would use introspection to report on their internal state of mind. The use of a case study is not seen as scientific due to the potential for bias in the researcher's interpretation. Additionally, concepts like the superego are not operationally defined, meaning they cannot be scientifically studied.
• Humanistic approach

  Humanists reject the scientific method completely, arguing that human behaviour is too complex to be reduced to simple variables that can be measured scientifically. They also reject the cause-and-effect principle that scientific research depends on. This means humanistic psychology has empirical evidence to support its claims.