Psychological Approaches : Psychological Approaches Assumptions
Core Studies
Strengths and Weaknesses
Objectives : Objectives Reminder of Section C structure (Core Studies)
Re-cap assumptions about behaviour within each approach.
Identify core studies within each approach.
Connect approaches to specific aspects of behaviour.
Compare studies within approaches.
Identify strengths and weaknesses of approaches.
Section C Structure : Section C Structure 4 part question worth 24 marks.
The questions are worth between 2 and 12 marks and will ask you to:
identify key assumptions of the approach. [2]
Outline how it explains particular behaviours. [4]
Identify similarities and differences between studies. [6]
Discuss strengths and weaknesses of the approach. [12]
As always, the number of marks awarded is your key to how much you should write.
Approaches and Assumptions(tested in part a) : Approaches and Assumptions(tested in part a) Cognitive
Developmental
Physiological
Social
Individual Difference
Behaviourist
Psychodynamic Behaviour results from:
Core Studies in Each Approach(tested in part b) : Core Studies in Each Approach(tested in part b) COGNITIVE
DEVELOPMENTAL
PHYSIOLOGICAL SOCIAL
INDIVIDUAL DIFFERENCE
BEHAVIOURIST
PSYCHODYNAMIC
Core Studies : Core Studies
Core Studies : Core Studies
Sample Questions (part b – 4 marks) : Sample Questions (part b – 4 marks) Describe how the physiological approach could explain hemisphere deconnection and unity in consciousness.
Describe how the cognitive approach could explain memory.
Similarities and Differences between Core Studies (tested by part c) : Similarities and Differences between Core Studies (tested by part c) TIP!
Focus on similarities / differences that relate to the study overall:
Eg 1: physiological approach tends to use technical equipment to measure physiological processes
Eg 2: social approach tends to use simulated social situations / natural environments.
Strengths and Weaknesses of the Approach(tested by part d) : Strengths and Weaknesses of the Approach(tested by part d) 12 marks = PEC x 4:
2 strengths
2 weaknesses
Use studies as evidence / illustration
Use evaluation issues as basis for each point…
Evaluation Issues : Evaluation Issues Part d question format:
“Discuss the strengths and weaknesses of the ______ approach using examples from any _____ approach studies”
Have a go at a PEC strength / weakness for any approach, then copy and paste your response in the text chat window.
Summary / Concluding Thoughts : Summary / Concluding Thoughts