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A Level Psychology Exam Comprehensive Review
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A Level Psychology Exam Comprehensive Review
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A Level Psychology ExamComprehensive Review
Rosenhan and Seligman (1989) - Answer>> Abnormal behavior
is seen as vivid and unpredictable, causes observer discomfort
and violates moral or ideal standards because it differs from most
other people's behavior and standards. Part of the "Deviation from
Social Norms" definition of abnormality.
Szasz (1960) - Answer>> Another supporter of the "Deviation
from Social Norms" definition of abnormality. Argues that
abnormality, especially relating to certain mental disorders, is a
socially constructed concept. This construction then allows for
labeling of psychological patients. Szasz is also a big critic of the
classification system utilized in diagnosis of mental disorders,
based on the ethical implications associated with labeling.
Jahoda (1958) - Answer>> Part of the "deviation from ideal
mental health" definition of abnormality. Describes several
characteristics that mentally healthy people should possess, such
as the ability to introspect, integration and balance of personality,
self-actualization, autonomy, ability to cope with stress and see
the world as it really is, and environmental mastery. However,
even "sane" people do not achieve all of these characteristics.
Maslow - Answer>> Argues that very few people actually
achieve self-actualization.
Heather (1976) - Answer>> Criticizes the medical model of
abnormality. Represents this model's assumption that there is
always and underlying biological cause for psychological
disorders. Suggests that the basis of defining abnormality is often
,governed by social and moral considerations rather than
biological.
Psychoanalytic Approach to Abnormality - Answer>>
Popularized by Freud. Notion of normality is a balance between id
impulses, the conscience of the ego, and the values of the
superego. Abnormality is the result of thwarted id impulses,
repression of traumatic events, or unresolved unconscious
conflicts. The difference between the "normal" and "abnormal" is
in degree of expression of abnormal tendencies. Utilizes directive
therapy.
Behavioral Approach to Abnormality - Answer>> Behaviorism
centers around the belief that all behavior is resulting from
learned causes. Processes of learning include classical
conditioning and reinforcement. A notion of normality centers
around a "learning history" (i.e. a network of behavioral causes
within an individual) that has provided an adequately large
selection of adaptive responses (i.e. good/normal behavior).
Important behaviorists included Pavlov, Watson, and B. F.
Skinner. Utilizes directive therapy.
Cognitive Approach to Abnormality - Answer>> You are normal
if: you're cognitive thought processes are rational and properly
functioning and sufficiently used to accurately perceive the world
and control behavior. Basically, you're normal if you can think
soundly. You ain't right if: you have unrealistic, distorted, or
irrational understanding and thoughts about the self, others, or the
environment. Also cannot use conscious thought processes to
sufficiently dictate actions. Involves semi-directive therapy.
Humanistic Approach to Abnormality - Answer>> You're normal
if: you have a positive self-regard, the ability to self-actualize,
healthy interpersonal relationships, and responsibility and control
, over life. You ain't right if: oh wait, no. Humanists believe that
everyone is special and unique and rejects psychological labels,
for they view them as "stigmatizing." However, humanists
recognize "problems with living" that often result from
interpersonal relationships, and undesirable environmental
circumstances. Involves non-directive therapy.
Nomothetic - Answer>> Refers to a debate in psychology. This
branch, as opposed to idiographic, involves the studying of
similarities between individuals and generalization.
Idiographic - Answer>> Refers to a debate in psychology. This
branch, as opposed to nomothetic, recognizes individual
differences more and proposes that psychologists/psychiatrists
should treat and/or study people with regards to the
subject/patient's own background and personality, isolated from
the phenomena observed in others.
Statistical Infrequency - Answer>> A definition of abnormality
that states that a behavior is abnormal if it is statistically
infrequent. Imagine a bell curve. This definition is lacking in that
there is subjectivity in defining the degree of infrequency for one
to be considered "abnormal." Other criticisms are that some
disorders are not statistically infrequent, that infrequency does not
designate desirability, and that depending on the sample used for
statistical comparison, there may be cultural/regional
discrepancies.
Deviation from Social Norms - Answer>> Social norms can be
defined as generally accepted rules governing society. They are
established through perception and the formation of social
complexes within individuals. Examples include wearing clothes,
and not acting "crazy." This definition of abnormality considers
one abnormal if they violate these accepted standards. This
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