A-Level Psychology - Core Approaches & Debates

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The Biological Approach

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Assumes behavior and experience are rooted in biology (genes, brain structures, neurochemistry). Key concepts include localization of function, evolution, and genotype/phenotype interactions. Evaluation: Highly scientific (objective), but reductionist for complex human behaviors.

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The Cognitive Approach

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Views the mind as an active information processor, similar to a computer. Focuses on internal mental processes like memory, perception, and thinking. Key methods include lab experiments and inference. Evaluation: Scientific, but often artificial due to lack of ecological validity.

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The Behavioral Approach

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Claims all behavior is learned from the environment through interaction (nurture). Ignores internal mental states. Focuses on conditioning (classical and operant). Evaluation: Strong scientific basis due to observable behavior, but is viewed as mechanistic and reductionist.

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The Psychodynamic Approach

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Originates from Freud, emphasizing unconscious forces, childhood experiences, and psychosexual stages. Uses techniques like dream analysis. Evaluation: Explores the unconscious (unique), but lacks falsifiability and relies heavily on subjective case studies.

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Nature vs. Nurture Debate

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The core debate regarding whether behavior is determined by biology and genetics (Nature) or by the environment and learning (Nurture). Modern psychology recognizes an interactionist approach (diathesis-stress model).