← Home
Psychology Approaches Flashcards
Free A Level Psychology Revision Cards
Cover the key assumptions, strengths and weaknesses of each major psychological approach, from behaviourism and cognitive psychology to the psychodynamic and humanistic perspectives.
Question
What is the biological approach in psychology?
tap to flip
Answer
The view that behaviour and mental processes have biological causes — genetics, brain structure, neurochemistry, and the nervous system. Uses twin studies, brain scans, and drug studies as evidence.
tap to flip
Question
What is the psychodynamic approach?
tap to flip
Answer
Founded by Sigmund Freud. Behaviour is driven by unconscious forces, unresolved childhood conflicts, and the dynamic tension between the id, ego, and superego.
tap to flip
Question
What are Freud's id, ego, and superego?
tap to flip
Answer
Id: primitive, unconscious desires (pleasure principle). Ego: rational mediator between id and reality (reality principle). Superego: internalised moral standards and conscience.
tap to flip
Question
What is the behaviourist approach?
tap to flip
Answer
The view that all behaviour is learned through interaction with the environment. Only observable behaviour is studied. Key processes: classical conditioning and operant conditioning.
tap to flip
Question
What is classical conditioning?
tap to flip
Answer
Learning by association — a neutral stimulus is repeatedly paired with an unconditioned stimulus until it produces the same response on its own. Pavlov's dogs: bell (NS) → food (UCS) → salivation (UCR); bell alone → salivation (CR).
tap to flip
Question
What is operant conditioning?
tap to flip
Answer
Learning through consequences — behaviour is shaped by reinforcement (increases behaviour) or punishment (decreases behaviour). Skinner's work with rats in boxes (Skinner boxes).
tap to flip
Question
What is the social learning theory (SLT)?
tap to flip
Answer
Bandura's theory that behaviour is learned through observation and imitation of role models — especially when the behaviour is reinforced (vicarious reinforcement). Requires attention, retention, reproduction, and motivation.
tap to flip
Question
What is the cognitive approach?
tap to flip
Answer
Views the mind as an information-processing system (like a computer). Studies internal mental processes — memory, attention, perception, thinking, and language. Uses cognitive models and schemas.
tap to flip
Question
What is a schema?
tap to flip
Answer
A mental framework or package of knowledge that organises information and guides perception. They develop through experience and help us interpret the world quickly, but can lead to bias and stereotyping.
tap to flip
Question
What is the humanistic approach?
tap to flip
Answer
Focus on free will, subjective experience, and human potential. Maslow's hierarchy of needs and Rogers's person-centred therapy. People are essentially good and strive for self-actualisation.
tap to flip
🔒
See all 20 cards for free
Create a free account to unlock the full deck — no payment needed.