NAME: ______________
AQA B AS PSYCHOLOGY
Key Approaches Booklet
PSYB1: KEY APPROACHES,
BIOPSYCHOLOGY, GENDER
DEVELOPMENT
PSYB1: Approaches in Psychology
The PSYB1 exam is in June 2014. The purpose of this booklet is to enable you to
begin preparation for that exam as well as learning the vital skills of
independent study.
When you are required to complete a section of the booklet you will be told in
advance and then the work will be taken in to check its completion. You will
also be regularly tested on the material to further ensure that this work is being
carried out as required.
This booklet is to be kept in your course file and be available for every lesson.
Approaches
Biological
Essay
Humanistic
Essay
Behaviourist
Essay
Cognitive
Essay
Psychodynamic
Essay
Social Learning theory
Essay
Date set
Date due
Completed?
KEY APPROACHES IN PSYCHOLOGY
Basic assumptions of the approaches
The approaches and assumptions below are muddled up. Draw a line to connect each
approach with the appropriate assumption
Approach
Behaviourist
Psychodynamic
Biological
Humanistic
Social learning
Cognitive
Basic assumption
People are basically good and are motivated
towards self-actualisation
Our behaviour changes because we copy
what we see others doing
Human minds are information processing
systems like computers
Our genetic make-up and the nervous
system control our behaviour
Behaviour is determined by early
experiences and unconscious processes
We are born a ‘blank slate’ and acquire
behaviour through experience
For each approach you need to be able to:
 Explain 2 -3 key assumptions
 Give one study to support the assumptions
 Explain the research methods used by each approach
 Give the strengths and limitations of both the approach and its methods.
Essay writing
Assessment Objectives
AO1 - Recognise, recall and show understanding of scientific
knowledge, select, organise and communicate relevant information in a
variety of forms
AO2 - Analyse and evaluate scientific knowledge, apply knowledge and
processes to unfamiliar situations, assess the validity, reliability and
credibility of scientific information
Question: How do you get the right balance between description (AO1) and
evaluation (AO2) in your written work?
Answer: Putting DESIRE into your work
Describe: Outline idea or psychological concept, or Assumption
Explain: give a detailed explanation of the idea or concept
Support: Briefly describe supporting evidence or studies
Interpret: state what your supporting evidence tells us about the
idea or concept
Research Methods: state the research methods used by the
approach
EVALUATION: Discuss pros and cons of theory or studies. Compare
with other theories or findings/ make a concluding statement (not your
personal opinion!)
Key approaches: The Biological Approach
AO1: Learning objectives
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Understand what is meant by the term biological psychology
Explain the influence of genes on behaviour
Suggest how evolutionary theory can be used to explain human and non human behaviour
Explain how our brain structure and chemicals influence our behaviour
Describe the research methods used by biological psychologists
AO1: Description of biological Psychology
Describe: Biological Psychology is
_______________________________________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________________________________
Explain the main assumptions of the approach:
1. Our behaviour is influenced by our genes -
2. Our behaviour is the result of evolution -
3. Our brain structure and chemicals influence our behaviour –
A study to support these ideas was carried out by:_____________________________________
Aim
Method
Findings
Conclusion
Interpret this study – how does it support the approach:
The research methods used by this approach are:______________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________________________________
The strengths of these methods are:_________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________________________________
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The limitations of these methods are:________________________________________________________________
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AO2: Evaluation of the approach
The strengths of the approach are:___________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________________________________
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The limitations of the approach are:_________________________________________________________________
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The behaviourist approach
AO1: Learning Objectives
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Know and understand the basic assumptions of the behaviourist approach
Explain classical and operant conditioning
Describe at least one key study in behaviourism
Describe the research methods used by Behaviourist Psychologists
AO1: Know and understand the basic assumptions of the behaviourist approach
Describe: Behaviourist Psychology sees behaviour as the result of ______________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________________
Explain the main assumptions of the approach:
1. We are born a blank slate and our behaviour is the result of our environment -
2. Behaviour is determined by reinforcement or punishment of past learning experiences -
3. Only observable behaviour should be studied –
Classical conditioning is defined as:
_____________________________________________________________________________________________
An example is Pavolv’s study – fill in the details of how the dogs were classically conditioned
UCS (
)
UCS
CS(
UCR(
NS (
)
)
A study to support these ideas was carried out by:_____________________________________
Aim
Method
Findings
Conclusion
)
UCR
CR (
)
Operant conditioning is defined as:
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_____________________________________________________________________________________________
Positive reinforcement is:
_____________________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________________
Negative reinforcement is:
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_____________________________________________________________________________________________
Punishment is defined as:
_____________________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________________
A study to support these ideas was carried out by:_____________________________________
Aim
Method
Findings
Conclusion
Interpret this study – how does it support the approach:
The research methods used by this approach are:_______________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________________________________
The strengths of these methods are:
_______________________________________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________________________________
The limitations of these methods are:
_______________________________________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________________________________
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_______________________________________________________________________________________________
AO2: Evaluation of the approach
The strengths of the approach are:
_______________________________________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________________________________
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The limitations of the approach are:
_______________________________________________________________________________________________
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Social Learning theory
AO1: Learning objectives
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Know and understand the basic assumptions of social learning theory
Explain the role of mediating cognitive factors
Describe the conditions that are necessary for effective modelling to occur
Explain a study that supports social learning theory
AO1: Know and understand the basic assumptions of social Learning theory
Describe: Social Learning theory sees behaviour as the result of:
_____________________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________________
Explain the main assumptions of the approach:
1. Mediating processes lie between stimulus and response influence our behaviour
2. There are 4 conditions to observational learning
3. Learning can be the result of observing role models, direct reinforcement and vicarious reinforcement
The four conditions of observational learning are:
1. ________________________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________________________
2. ________________________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________________________
3. ________________________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________________________
4. ________________________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________________________
The characteristics of a role model that increase the likelihood of behaviour being copied are:
_____________________________________________________________________________________________
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_____________________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________________
A study to support these ideas was carried out by:_____________________________________
Aim
Method
Findings
Conclusion
Interpret this study – how does it support the approach:
The research methods used by this approach are:______________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________________________________
The strengths of these methods are:_________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________________________________
The limitations of these methods are:________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________________________________
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AO2: Evaluation of the approach
The strengths of the approach are:___________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________________________________
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The limitations of the approach are:_________________________________________________________________
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Cognitive approach
AO1: lesson Objectives
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To understand the basic assumptions of the cognitive approach
Explain the way models are used to explain internal mental processes
Know and understand the research methods used by cognitive psychologists.
AO1: To understand the basic assumptions of the cognitive approach
Describe: The cognitive approach focuses on
_______________________________________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________________________________
The Three main assumptions of the approach are:
1. Mental processes lie between the stimulus and response
2. Humans are information processors who actively organise and manipulate information from the environment
3. The mind operates in the same way as a computer
A typical model used by cognitive psychologists is:
_______________________________________________________________________________________________
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A study to support these ideas was carried out by:_____________________________________
Aim
Method
Findings
Conclusion
Interpret this study – how does it support the approach:
The research methods used by this approach are:_______________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________________________________
The strengths of these methods are:
_______________________________________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________________________________
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_______________________________________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________________________________
The limitations of these methods are:
_______________________________________________________________________________________________
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AO2: Evaluation of the approach
The strengths of the approach are:
_______________________________________________________________________________________________
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The limitations of the approach are:
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The Psychodynamic Approach
AO1: learning objectives
 Describe the role of the unconscious mind
 Know and understand the key features of the psychosexual stages of development
 Describe how our personality is structured
 Describe what is meant by defence mechanisms and explain the role they play in reducing conflict
AO1: Main assumptions
Describe: The psychodynamic approach focuses on the role of
_______________________________________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________________________________
Explain the main assumptions of the approach:
1. Unconscious processes determine our behaviour
2. Childhood experiences determine adult personality
3. Personality has three parts; id, ego and superego
The role of the unconscious mind
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Psychosexual stages
O______________________________________________________________________________________________
A______________________________________________________________________________________________
P______________________________________________________________________________________________
L______________________________________________________________________________________________
G______________________________________________________________________________________________
The Oedipus complex
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The Electra complex
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The structure of the personality
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The role of the id
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The role of the Ego
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The role of the Superego
Defence mechanisms are:
_______________________________________________________________________________________________
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Examples of Defence mechanisms
Term
Explanation
Denial
Applied example
Displacement
Rationalisation
Sublimation
A study to support these ideas was carried out by:_____________________________________
Aim
Method
Findings
Conclusion
Interpret this study – how does it support the approach:
The research methods used by this approach are:_______________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________________________________
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The strengths of these methods are:
_______________________________________________________________________________________________
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The limitations of these methods are:
_______________________________________________________________________________________________
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AO2: Evaluation of the approach
The strengths of the approach are:
_______________________________________________________________________________________________
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The limitations of the approach are:
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The Humanistic Approach
AO1: Lesson objectives
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
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Describe the basic assumptions of the humanistic approach
Explain some of the contributions of the humanistic approach
Know and understand the research methods used by the humanistic approach
AO1: the main assumptions
Describe: The humanistic approach takes the view that
_______________________________________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________________________________
Explain the main assumptions of the approach:
1. Humans should be viewed as a whole and not reduced to component parts
2. Humans strive towards achieving self-actualisation
3. To be psychologically healthy, the real self and ideal self must be congruent
4. Humans are active agents – able to control and determine their own development
Concept of self and self-worth
Congruence means:
Conditions of self worth means
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Incongruence is
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Person centred therapy is
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Maslow’s Hierarchy of needs
Explain what is meant by self-actualisation
and how we achieve it:
____________________________________
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___________________________________
_____________________________________
___________________________________
_____________________________________
_____________________________________
____________________
The research methods used by this approach are:
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The strengths of these methods are:
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The limitations of these methods are:
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AO2: Evaluation of the approach
The strengths of the approach are:
_______________________________________________________________________________________________
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The limitations of the approach are:
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Glossary
Term
Definition