Summary
Summary AQA Alevel Psychology A03 for approaches
- Module
- Approaches
- Institution
- AQA
All A03 for all approaches included
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The Behaviourist EvaluationApproach
Scientific Credibility Focused on measurement of observable behaviour in controlled lab settings.
By emphasising the importance of scientific processes such as objectivity and
replication it was influential in the development of psychology as a science
giving it greater credibility and status
Real-life When treating phobias we use systematic desensitization, these are based on
applications the principles of classical conditioning and are very successful. This suggests
that this approach has greater value due to how we can use it to aid others
Deterministic States all behaviour is pre-determined which means people can’t be accounted
viewpoint for their actions as their behaviour is due to their environment. Adopting this
viewpoint can cause ethical issues in institutions like prisons
Support for it Little albert was evidence for it happening in humans. He was born without the
happening in phobia of white rats whereas after classical conditioning he then had a phobia
humans of the white rats. This supports the idea of classical conditioning happening in
humans.
Social Learning Evaluation
Theory
Included cognitive Humans use cognitive factors to store information about the environment and
factors meditational processes. SLT provides a more comprehensive explanation of
human learning by recognising the role of mediational processes.
Issues with Bandura ideas were supported from the observation of young children in lab
supporting evidence settings. The children may respond to demand characteristics. As the main
from lab studies purpose of the bobo doll was to strike it, the children were simply acting in a
way they thought was expected from them.
Ignores biology Makes little reference to the role of biological factors on social learning. A
finding was that boys were more aggressive than girls. This may be due
to testosterone factors. This means a important influence on behaviour is not
accounted for in SLT.
Can explain cultural Each culture has different norms. These norms are passed on because the role
differences models are people within their culture that they watch and learn from. This has
proved useful in understanding a range of behaviours such as how children
come to understand their gender role.
The Cognitive Evaluation
Approach
Scientific methods Experiments done in highly controlled lab environments which can provide
useful and objective data. The emergence of cognitive neuroscience has
enabled biology and psychology to come together. This means it has a credible
scientific basis.
Machine The computer analogy has been criticised. It ignores the influence of human
reductionism emotions and motivation on the cognitive system and this may affect our
ability to process information. Research shows human memory can be affected
by anxiety, this is not taken into account.
Practical Neuroscience has led to the development of how we study humans. Cognitive
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