Key term
Eduqas A-Level Psychology A290QS
Biological Approach
Topic overviewAssumptions and evaluation of the approach: Evolutionary influences and Localisation of brain functionAssumptions and evaluation of the approach: Neurotransmitters and Weaknesses of the approachTherapy derived from the approach: Drug therapyTherapy derived from the approach: PsychosurgeryClassic research: the methodology and proceduresClassic research: the findings, conclusions and evaluationContemporary debate
Psychodynamic Approach
Topic overviewAssumptions and evaluation of the approach: Influence of childhood experiences and Unconscious mindAssumptions and evaluation of the approach: Tripartite personality and Weaknesses of the approachTherapy derived from the approach: Dream analysisTherapy derived from the approach: PsychodramaClassic research: Methodology and ProceduresClassic research: Findings and ConclusionsClassic research: Ethical issues and social implicationsContemporary debate: the mother as primary care-giver — the argumentsContemporary debate: the mother as primary care-giver — the evidence and conclusion
Behaviourist Approach
Topic overviewAssumptions and evaluation of the approach: Blank slate and Behaviour learnt through conditioningAssumptions and evaluation of the approach: Humans and animals learn in similar waysTherapy derived from the approach: Aversion therapyTherapy derived from the approach: Systematic desensitisationClassic research: Methodology and ProceduresClassic research: Findings and ConclusionsClassic research: Ethical issues and social implicationsContemporary debate: using conditioning to control children — the argumentsContemporary debate: using conditioning to control children — the evidence and conclusion
Cognitive Approach
Topic overviewAssumptions and evaluation of the approach: Computer analogy, Internal mental processes and SchemasAssumptions and evaluation of the approach: Strengths of the approach and Weaknesses of the approachTherapy derived from the approach: Cognitive behavioural therapyTherapy derived from the approach: Rational emotive behaviour therapyClassic research: Methodology and ProceduresClassic research: Findings and ConclusionsClassic research: Ethical issues and social implicationsContemporary debate: the reliability of eye-witness testimony — the argumentsContemporary debate: the reliability of eye-witness testimony — the evidence and conclusion
Positive Approach
Topic overviewAssumptions and evaluation of the approach: Acknowledgement of free will and Focus on 'the good life'Assumptions and evaluation of the approach: Strengths of the approach and Weaknesses of the approachTherapy derived from the approach: MindfulnessTherapy derived from the approach: Quality of life therapyClassic research: Methodology and ProceduresClassic research: Findings and ConclusionsClassic research: Ethical issues and social implicationsContemporary debate: the relevance of positive psychology today — the argumentsContemporary debate: the relevance of positive psychology today — the evidence and conclusion
Comparing the Five Approaches
Core Studies in Social and Developmental Psychology
Topic overviewSocial psychology core study: Milgram (1963) — Method and procedure, ResultsSocial psychology core study: Milgram (1963) — Conclusions and Evaluation of the studyDevelopmental psychology core study: Kohlberg (1968) — Method and procedure, ResultsDevelopmental psychology core study: Kohlberg (1968) — Conclusions and Evaluation of the study
Planning Psychological Research
Topic overviewDeciding on a research question: Aim of the research and Independent variablesDeciding on a research question: Co-variables, Operationalisation of variables and Extraneous variablesMethodologies: Experiments, Participant observations and Non-participant observationsMethodologies: Content analysis, Structured interviews / questionnaires and Correlational studiesMethodologies: Case studies, Cross-sectional studies and Self-reportsLocation of researchParticipants and sampling: Target populations, Sampling frames and Opportunity samplingParticipants and sampling: Systematic sampling, Stratified sampling and Quota samplingParticipants and sampling: Self-selected samplingExperimental design
Data Handling, Statistics and Mathematical Skills
Topic overviewLevels of measurementGraphical representation: Frequency tables and Graphical representation (including line graphsGraphical representation: Distribution curves (including normal, positive and negative skewedDescriptive statistics: Measures of central tendencyDescriptive statistics: Measures of dispersion and Calculating from a set of resultsInferential statistics: Chi Square testInferential statistics: Mann Whitney U test and Critical values from tablesMathematical requirements (Appendix A): Standard form and unit conversionMathematical requirements (Appendix A): Calculations for statistical tests
Evaluating and Validating Research
Topic overviewReliabilityValidity: Internal validity, External validity and Specific validity issues (including researcher biasValidity: Ways of dealing with issues of validityEthics: Confidentiality and Risk to the participants’ valuesEthics: Valid consent and Managing the risk posed by ethical issues (including the use of ethicsThe role of the scientific community: Peer review and its purposes, Criticisms of peer reviewThe role of the scientific community: Sections of a psychological report
Personal Investigations and Novel Research Scenarios
Topic overviewPersonal investigations: applying — Hypotheses and variables, Methodology and experimental designPersonal investigations: applying research methods to first-hand investigations — SamplingPersonal investigations: applying research methods to first-hand investigations — Inferential statisticsApplication of research methods to a novel scenario
Addictive BehavioursAddictive
Topic overviewCharacteristics of the behaviour: What the behaviour is, How it is recognised and diagnosedCharacteristics of the behaviour: How common it is, Effects on the individual and on societyBiological explanations: Addiction genes and Disease of the brainBiological explanations: DopamineIndividual differences explanations: Cognitive biases and Field dependenceIndividual differences explanations: Lang's addictive personality traitsSocial psychological explanations: Co-morbidity with mental and Peer pressureSocial psychological explanations: Role of the mediaMethods of modifying the behaviour: Agonist and antagonist substitutionMethods of modifying the behaviour: Aversion therapy
Autistic Spectrum BehavioursAutistic spectrum
Topic overviewCharacteristics of the behaviour: What the behaviour is, How it is recognised and diagnosedCharacteristics of the behaviour: How common it is, Effects on the individual and on societyBiological explanations: Amygdala dysfunction and Chloride ions at birthBiological explanations: Genetic predispositionIndividual differences explanations: Gender differences and Theory of mindIndividual differences explanations: Weak central coherence theoryExtreme male brain and empathising-systemising theoriesThe refrigerator mother theory, and evaluationMethods of modifying the behaviour: Picture Exchange Communication SystemMethods of modifying the behaviour: Relationship Development InterventionMethods of modifying the behaviour
Bullying BehavioursBullying
Topic overviewCharacteristics of the behaviour: What the behaviour is, How it is recognised and diagnosedCharacteristics of the behaviour: How common it is, Effects on the individual and on societyBiological explanations: Bullying genes and Evolved gender differencesBiological explanations: HormonesIndividual differences explanations: Cognitive biases and Narcissistic personalityIndividual differences explanations: Threatened egotism, narcissism and theory of mindSocial psychological explanations: Cultural differences and In-group / out-groupSocial psychological explanations: Moral disengagementMethods of modifying the behaviour: Creating A Peaceful School Learning EnvironmentMethods of modifying the behaviour: Olweus Bullying Prevention ProgrammeMethods of modifying the behaviour
Criminal BehavioursCriminal
Topic overviewCharacteristics of the behaviour: What the behaviour isCharacteristics of the behaviour: How it is recognised and diagnosedBiological explanations: Disinhibition hypothesis and Inherited criminality personality theoryBiological explanations: Role of the amygdalaIndividual differences explanations: Eysenck's criminal personalityIndividual differences explanations: Intelligence factors and Psychopathic personalitySocial psychological explanations: Differential associationSocial psychological explanations: Gender socialisation and Normalisation theoryMethods of modifying the behaviour: Anger managementMethods of modifying the behaviour: Restorative justice
SchizophreniaSchizophrenia
Topic overviewCharacteristics of the behaviour: What the behaviour is, How it is recognised and diagnosedCharacteristics of the behaviour: How common it is, Effects on the individual and on societyBiological explanations: Dopamine hypothesis and Enlarged ventriclesBiological explanations: Cannabis, genetics and the diathesis-stress modelIndividual differences explanations: Thought disorderIndividual differences explanations: Schizophrenogenic mother and Sex differencesSocial psychological explanations: Cultural normsSocial psychological explanations: Dysfunctional familiesSocial psychological explanations: Expressed emotionMethods of modifying the behaviour: Antipsychotic drugsMethods of modifying the behaviour: Cognitive behavioral therapy
StressStress
Topic overviewCharacteristics of the behaviour: What the behaviour is, How it is recognised and diagnosedCharacteristics of the behaviour: How common it is, Effects on the individual and on societyBiological explanations: Adrenaline and Evolutionary adaptationBiological explanations: Stress genesIndividual differences explanations: Type A behaviour and hardinessIndividual differences explanations: Self-efficacySocial psychological explanations: Daily hassles and Life eventsSocial psychological explanations: Locus of control and control at workMethods of modifying the behaviour: Beta blockersMethods of modifying the behaviour: Stress inoculation training
Controversies in Psychology
Topic overviewCultural bias: Cross cultural studies and Difference or biasCultural bias: Ethnocentrism, Historical and social contextEthical costs of conducting research: Benefits to society and the economy, Individual participantsEthical costs of conducting research: Potentially negative consequences for societyThe use of non-human animals: Why animals are used, comparative psychology and ethologyThe use of non-human animals: Therapy, speciesism and the BPS GuidelinesScientific status of psychology: Features of science, Popper and KuhnScientific status of psychology: Methods, benefits and costs of being a scienceSexism: Gender difference or gender biasSexism: Heterosexism, Historical and social context, 'invisibility' of women in psychology
Behaviourist Approach
- 9 subtopics
- 25 things to know
- Component 1
What Behaviourist Approach covers
Behaviourist Approach is examined on Component 1 of Eduqas Psychology, Psychology: Past to Present. 103 recall questions across 9 subtopics.
The 9 subtopics
Each one has its own page.
- Assumptions and evaluation of the approach: Blank slate and Behaviour learnt through conditioningRecall questions on Blank slate and Behaviour learnt through conditioning.Open →
- Assumptions and evaluation of the approach: Humans and animals learn in similar waysRecall questions on Humans and animals learn in similar ways.Open →
- Therapy derived from the approach: Aversion therapyRecall questions on Therapy derived from the approach: Aversion therapy.Open →
- Therapy derived from the approach: Systematic desensitisationRecall questions on Therapy derived from the approach: Systematic desensitisation.Open →
- Classic research: Methodology and ProceduresRecall questions on Methodology and Procedures.Open →
- Classic research: Findings and ConclusionsRecall questions on Findings and Conclusions.Open →
- Classic research: Ethical issues and social implicationsRecall questions on Ethical issues and social implications.Open →
- Contemporary debate: using conditioning to control children — the argumentsRecall questions on Contemporary debate: using conditioning to control children — the arguments.Open →
- Contemporary debate: using conditioning to control children — the evidence and conclusionRecall questions on using conditioning to control children — the evidence and conclusion.Open →
What you need to know
Answer each one before you reveal it.
Your recallNot started
Evaluation
Give one ethical criticism that still applies to systematic desensitisation.
Key term
What disagreement exists about Albert's identity and health?
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Which philosopher's idea of tabula rasa lies behind the blank slate assumption?
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Why do behaviourists say two children raised in the same house can turn out very differently?
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On this assumption, how do humans differ from other animals in the way they learn?
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Apply the behaviourist assumptions to explain how someone develops a phobia of dogs.
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Name the two behaviourist therapies used to change maladaptive behaviour.
Numbers
Who developed systematic desensitisation?
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Who carried out the 1920 study of conditioned emotional reactions?
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Who was the participant, and why was he chosen?
Who and when
Which object did Albert not fear, and why does that matter?
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Which ethical issues does the study raise?
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What is the central question in the debate about conditioning and children?
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Name three conditioning techniques commonly used with children at home or at school.
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Why may punishing a child fail to teach them anything useful?
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How does research on moral development challenge the use of external control?
Numbers
Who first demonstrated classical conditioning, and how is his major work usually dated?
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Why is a gambling habit so difficult to break, in behaviourist terms?
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On which type of conditioning is aversion therapy based?
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Explain the principle of reciprocal inhibition.
Who and when
What did the baseline session involve?
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Why is the question of consent in this study still disputed?
Numbers
Which intensive behavioural programme for autistic children is often cited in this debate?
Key term
What is the main ethical objection concerning consent?
Take Behaviourist Approach further
The same content, four other ways.
Commonly confused
Pairs that lose marks when they are blurred together.
Negative reinforcement vs Punishment
Negative reinforcement: increasing a behaviour by removing something unpleasant. Punishment: decreasing a behaviour by applying something unpleasant or removing something pleasant.
Aversion therapy vs Systematic desensitisation
Aversion therapy: making a wanted stimulus repellent. Systematic desensitisation: making a feared stimulus tolerable.
Questions from this topic
Each one with the model answer underneath.
- 1
What does the behaviourist approach mean when it describes the mind at birth as a blank slate?
Model answer
It assumes a baby is born with no innate ideas or pre-formed behaviour, so everything a person becomes is written onto them by experience.
- 2
Which philosopher's idea of tabula rasa lies behind the blank slate assumption?
Model answer
John Locke's, who argued that the mind begins as a blank sheet that experience fills in.
- 3
Why do behaviourists say two children raised in the same house can turn out very differently?
Model answer
Each child has a different individual conditioning history, because they meet different associations and different consequences for their behaviour.
- 4
What is the second core assumption of the behaviourist approach?
Model answer
That behaviour is learnt through conditioning, either by association in classical conditioning or by consequences in operant conditioning.
- 5
Who first demonstrated classical conditioning, and how is his major work usually dated?
Model answer
Ivan Pavlov, whose work on conditioned reflexes in dogs is normally cited as Pavlov (1927).
- 6
What happens to a neutral stimulus during the acquisition phase of classical conditioning?
Model answer
Repeated pairing with an unconditioned stimulus turns it into a conditioned stimulus that produces the response on its own.
What is inside Levo
Six ways to work the same material.
Behaviourist Approach revision questions
- What does Behaviourist Approach cover in Eduqas A-Level Psychology?
- 9 subtopics: assumptions and evaluation of the approach: blank slate and behaviour learnt through conditioning, assumptions and evaluation of the approach: humans and animals learn in similar ways, therapy derived from the approach: aversion therapy, therapy derived from the approach: systematic desensitisation, classic research: methodology and procedures, classic research: findings and conclusions, classic research: ethical issues and social implications, contemporary debate: using conditioning to control children — the arguments and contemporary debate: using conditioning to control children — the evidence and conclusion. Each one has its own page with questions and model answers.
- How is Behaviourist Approach organised?
- By the Eduqas A290QS specification, subtopic by subtopic, so it matches the order you are taught it in.
Every question in Behaviourist Approach, on a schedule.
Attempt a question from memory, write the correct version, then attempt it again. Levo records the jump between your first attempt and your last, and brings each question back on the day you are due to forget it.
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