Study
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
Psychodynamic Approach
- 9 subtopics
- 25 things to know
- Component 1
What Psychodynamic Approach covers
Psychodynamic Approach is examined on Component 1 of Eduqas Psychology, Psychology: Past to Present. 101 recall questions across 9 subtopics.
The 9 subtopics
Each one has its own page.
- Assumptions and evaluation of the approach: Influence of childhood experiences and Unconscious mindRecall questions on Influence of childhood experiences and Unconscious mind.Open →
- Assumptions and evaluation of the approach: Tripartite personality and Weaknesses of the approachRecall questions on Tripartite personality and Weaknesses of the approach.Open →
- Therapy derived from the approach: Dream analysisRecall questions on Therapy derived from the approach: Dream analysis.Open →
- Therapy derived from the approach: PsychodramaRecall questions on Therapy derived from the approach: Psychodrama.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: the mother as primary care-giver — the argumentsRecall questions on Contemporary debate: the mother as primary care-giver — the arguments.Open →
- Contemporary debate: the mother as primary care-giver — the evidence and conclusionRecall questions on the mother as primary care-giver — the evidence and conclusion.Open →
What you need to know
Answer each one before you reveal it.
Your recallNot started
Key term
How does Freud explain the content of a dream?
Key term
Name the three assumptions of the psychodynamic approach.
Key term
What does the approach claim about the causes of adult behaviour?
Key term
Name the three parts of the tripartite personality.
Key term
What are the two parts of the superego?
Key term
Distinguish between the manifest and the latent content of a dream.
Key term
Name the five instruments of psychodrama.
Key term
What is the role of the protagonist?
Numbers
Who carried out the study of forty-four juvenile thieves, and when was it published?
Key term
Where were the participants drawn from?
Key term
Name the character type that proved central to Bowlby's findings.
Key term
What confidentiality concern does the study raise?
Key term
What question lies at the heart of this debate?
Evaluation
Give a biological argument for the mother as primary care-giver.
Evaluation
According to critics of monotropy, what actually determines the strength of an infant's attachment?
Key term
How is research on fathers used in this debate?
Key term
What does the assumption about the influence of childhood experiences claim?
Key term
When does each part of the personality emerge?
Process
Name three processes of dreamwork.
Key term
Name the three phases of a psychodrama session in order.
Key term
Who made up the two groups being compared?
Key term
What are the defining features of the affectionless character?
Evaluation
Give the main psychological argument against the mother being the primary care-giver.
Key term
What cross-cultural evidence weakens the claim that one mother must provide all the care?
Take Psychodynamic Approach further
The same content, four other ways.
Commonly confused
Pairs that lose marks when they are blurred together.
Manifest content vs Latent content
Manifest content: the remembered storyline of a dream. Latent content: the hidden meaning underneath it.
Repression vs Denial
Repression: burying a memory that has already formed. Denial: refusing to accept a present reality.
Deprivation vs Privation
Deprivation: losing an attachment bond that had formed. Privation: never having formed one at all.
Questions from this topic
Each one with the model answer underneath.
- 1
Name the three assumptions of the psychodynamic approach.
Model answer
The influence of childhood experiences, the unconscious mind, and the tripartite structure of personality.
- 2
What does the approach claim about the causes of adult behaviour?
Model answer
Freud claimed that adult behaviour is driven by unconscious conflicts and by experiences in early childhood rather than by conscious choice.
- 3
What does the assumption about the influence of childhood experiences claim?
Model answer
Freud argued that personality is largely formed in the first five years of life, so conflicts left unresolved in early childhood shape adult personality and mental health.
- 4
Name Freud's five psychosexual stages in order.
Model answer
Oral, anal, phallic, latency and genital.
- 5
Define fixation.
Model answer
Fixation occurs when a conflict at a psychosexual stage is not resolved, so part of the child's libido remains attached to that stage and its concerns persist into adult personality.
- 6
Which adult characteristics did Freud associate with anal-retentive fixation?
Model answer
Excessive tidiness, stubbornness and an obsessive need for order and control.
What is inside Levo
Six ways to work the same material.
Psychodynamic Approach revision questions
- What does Psychodynamic Approach cover in Eduqas A-Level Psychology?
- 9 subtopics: assumptions and evaluation of the approach: influence of childhood experiences and unconscious mind, assumptions and evaluation of the approach: tripartite personality and weaknesses of the approach, therapy derived from the approach: dream analysis, therapy derived from the approach: psychodrama, classic research: methodology and procedures, classic research: findings and conclusions, classic research: ethical issues and social implications, contemporary debate: the mother as primary care-giver — the arguments and contemporary debate: the mother as primary care-giver — the evidence and conclusion. Each one has its own page with questions and model answers.
- How is Psychodynamic Approach organised?
- By the Eduqas A290QS specification, subtopic by subtopic, so it matches the order you are taught it in.
Every question in Psychodynamic Approach, on a schedule.
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