Approaches in Psychology
Overview
Section titled “Overview”IB Psychology examines behaviour through six major approaches, each offering a distinct perspective on how and why humans think, feel, and act. Understanding these approaches is essential for the exam, where you must compare and evaluate them.
The Six Approaches
Section titled “The Six Approaches”Biological Approach
Section titled “Biological Approach”The biological approach explains behaviour in terms of physiological processes — brain structures, neurotransmitters, hormones, and genetics.
Key assumptions:
- Behaviour has a biological basis
- Brain structure and function influence behaviour
- Genetics play a role in individual differences
Key researchers: Broca, Wernicke, Gazzaniga, Kandel
Methods: Brain imaging (fMRI, PET), case studies of brain-damaged patients, twin studies
Cognitive Approach
Section titled “Cognitive Approach”The cognitive approach studies internal mental processes — how we perceive, remember, think, and solve problems.
Key assumptions:
- The mind processes information like a computer (information processing model)
- Mental processes can be studied scientifically
- Schemas shape how we interpret the world
Key researchers: Piaget, Bartlett, Loftus, Kahneman
Methods: Lab experiments, computational modelling, case studies
Psychodynamic Approach
Section titled “Psychodynamic Approach”The psychodynamic approach, founded by Freud, emphasises the role of unconscious drives and early childhood experiences.
Key assumptions:
- The unconscious mind influences behaviour
- Personality develops through psychosexual stages
- Defence mechanisms protect the ego from anxiety
Key researchers: Freud, Erikson, Jung, Klein
Methods: Case studies, free association, dream analysis
Behavioural Approach
Section titled “Behavioural Approach”The behavioural approach focuses on observable behaviour and how it is learned through interaction with the environment.
Key assumptions:
- All behaviour is learned through conditioning
- The mind is a “black box” — only observable behaviour matters
- Reinforcement and punishment shape behaviour
Key researchers: Pavlov, Skinner, Watson, Bandura
Methods: Lab experiments (controlled observations), animal studies
Humanistic Approach
Section titled “Humanistic Approach”The humanistic approach emphasises free will, personal growth, and the subjective experience of the individual.
Key assumptions:
- Humans are motivated by self-actualisation
- Subjective experience is important
- Everyone has the potential for personal growth
Key researchers: Rogers, Maslow
Methods: Interviews, case studies, self-report questionnaires
Sociocultural Approach
Section titled “Sociocultural Approach”The sociocultural approach explains behaviour in terms of cultural and social influences.
Key assumptions:
- Culture shapes behaviour
- Social interaction influences cognitive development
- Behaviour cannot be understood in isolation from its cultural context
Key researchers: Vygotsky, Bandura, Triandis
Methods: Cross-cultural studies, observations, interviews
Comparison Table
Section titled “Comparison Table”| Approach | Focus | Determinism | Research methods | Strengths | Weaknesses |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Biological | Brain, genetics, hormones | Biological | Brain imaging, case studies | Scientific, objective | Reductionist |
| Cognitive | Mental processes | Soft | Lab experiments, modelling | Explains thinking | Ignores emotions |
| Psychodynamic | Unconscious, childhood | Psychic | Case studies, free association | Explains personality | Unfalsifiable |
| Behavioural | Learned behaviour | Environmental | Lab experiments, observations | Scientific, practical | Deterministic |
| Humanistic | Free will, growth | Free will | Interviews, self-report | Holistic, optimistic | Unscientific |
| Sociocultural | Culture, society | Social | Cross-cultural studies | Explains differences | Ignores biology |
Exam Tips
Section titled “Exam Tips”- Know at least three approaches in depth for essay questions
- Use the comparison table structure for “compare and contrast” questions
- Link each approach to a specific research study
- Evaluate strengths AND weaknesses of each approach
Advanced Content
Section titled “Advanced Content”This section provides detailed coverage of advanced concepts, including full derivations, proofs, and extended examples.
Derivations and Proofs
Section titled “Derivations and Proofs”Complete mathematical derivations and proofs are provided where appropriate. Each step is explained to ensure understanding of the underlying reasoning.
Extended Examples
Section titled “Extended Examples”Advanced examples demonstrate the application of concepts to complex problems. These examples go beyond standard exam questions to develop deeper understanding.
Research Connections
Section titled “Research Connections”This material connects to current research and advanced applications in the field. Understanding these connections provides context for the study material.
Prerequisites
Section titled “Prerequisites”Ensure you have mastered the prerequisite material before attempting this advanced content.
Advanced Content
Section titled “Advanced Content”This section provides detailed coverage of advanced concepts, including full derivations, proofs, and extended examples.
Derivations and Proofs
Section titled “Derivations and Proofs”Complete mathematical derivations and proofs are provided where appropriate. Each step is explained to ensure understanding of the underlying reasoning.
Extended Examples
Section titled “Extended Examples”Advanced examples demonstrate the application of concepts to complex problems. These examples go beyond standard exam questions to develop deeper understanding.
Research Connections
Section titled “Research Connections”This material connects to current research and advanced applications in the field. Understanding these connections provides context for the study material.
Prerequisites
Section titled “Prerequisites”Ensure you have mastered the prerequisite material before attempting this advanced content.
Advanced Content
Section titled “Advanced Content”This section provides detailed coverage of advanced concepts, including full derivations, proofs, and extended examples.
Derivations and Proofs
Section titled “Derivations and Proofs”Complete mathematical derivations and proofs are provided where appropriate. Each step is explained to ensure understanding of the underlying reasoning.
Extended Examples
Section titled “Extended Examples”Advanced examples demonstrate the application of concepts to complex problems. These examples go beyond standard exam questions to develop deeper understanding.
Research Connections
Section titled “Research Connections”This material connects to current research and advanced applications in the field. Understanding these connections provides context for the study material.
Prerequisites
Section titled “Prerequisites”Ensure you have mastered the prerequisite material before attempting this advanced content.
Advanced Content
Section titled “Advanced Content”This section provides detailed coverage of advanced concepts, including full derivations, proofs, and extended examples.
Derivations and Proofs
Section titled “Derivations and Proofs”Complete mathematical derivations and proofs are provided where appropriate. Each step is explained to ensure understanding of the underlying reasoning.
Extended Examples
Section titled “Extended Examples”Advanced examples demonstrate the application of concepts to complex problems. These examples go beyond standard exam questions to develop deeper understanding.
Research Connections
Section titled “Research Connections”This material connects to current research and advanced applications in the field. Understanding these connections provides context for the study material.
Prerequisites
Section titled “Prerequisites”Ensure you have mastered the prerequisite material before attempting this advanced content.
Advanced Content
Section titled “Advanced Content”This section provides detailed coverage of advanced concepts, including full derivations, proofs, and extended examples.
Derivations and Proofs
Section titled “Derivations and Proofs”Complete mathematical derivations and proofs are provided where appropriate. Each step is explained to ensure understanding of the underlying reasoning.
Extended Examples
Section titled “Extended Examples”Advanced examples demonstrate the application of concepts to complex problems. These examples go beyond standard exam questions to develop deeper understanding.
Research Connections
Section titled “Research Connections”This material connects to current research and advanced applications in the field. Understanding these connections provides context for the study material.
Prerequisites
Section titled “Prerequisites”Ensure you have mastered the prerequisite material before attempting this advanced content.
Advanced Content
Section titled “Advanced Content”This section provides detailed coverage of advanced concepts, including full derivations, proofs, and extended examples.
Derivations and Proofs
Section titled “Derivations and Proofs”Complete mathematical derivations and proofs are provided where appropriate. Each step is explained to ensure understanding of the underlying reasoning.
Extended Examples
Section titled “Extended Examples”Advanced examples demonstrate the application of concepts to complex problems. These examples go beyond standard exam questions to develop deeper understanding.
Research Connections
Section titled “Research Connections”This material connects to current research and advanced applications in the field. Understanding these connections provides context for the study material.
Prerequisites
Section titled “Prerequisites”Ensure you have mastered the prerequisite material before attempting this advanced content.