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14 Dec 2025
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Psychology Approaches Explained
L
Lucia Bonaldi
@luciab.12
1 / 3
The Learning Approaches: Behaviourism and Social Learning
Ever wonder why you jump when you hear a sudden loud noise, or why you copied that viral TikTok dance? Behaviourism suggests we learn everything through experience - we're born as blank slates and our environment shapes us completely.
Classical conditioning shows how we learn by association. Pavlov's famous dogs learned to salivate when they heard a bell because they'd associated it with food. Watson proved this works on humans too - he conditioned baby Albert to fear white rats by pairing them with scary loud noises. This explains how phobias develop and why certain songs might make you feel emotional.
Operant conditioning is about learning through consequences. Skinner showed that rats would press levers more often if they got food (positive reinforcement) or if it stopped electric shocks (negative reinforcement). Think about how you're more likely to revise if your parents reward good grades - that's operant conditioning in action.
Quick Tip: Remember the difference - classical conditioning pairs two things together, whilst operant conditioning uses rewards and punishments after behaviour.
Social Learning Theory bridges behaviourism and cognitive approaches. Bandura's Bobo doll study proved children copy aggressive behaviour they observe, especially from role models they identify with. This happens through mediational processes - attention, retention, reproduction, and motivation.
The Cognitive Approach: Your Mind as a Computer
Your brain processes information like a sophisticated computer - taking in data, processing it, and producing responses. The cognitive approach focuses on how we think, remember, and solve problems rather than just observable behaviour.
Schemas are mental frameworks that help us organise knowledge. They're like filing systems in your brain that help you understand new information quickly. However, they can also lead to stereotypes when we force new information to fit existing schemas rather than updating them.
Cognitive psychologists use theoretical models and computer simulations to understand mental processes we can't directly observe. They make inferences about how memory, attention, and thinking work based on experimental evidence.
Real-world Connection: When you automatically know how to behave in a restaurant or classroom, you're using schemas built from past experiences.
Cognitive neuroscience combines psychology with brain imaging technology. Studies of patients like HM (who lost his memory after brain surgery) show how specific brain areas control different cognitive functions. PET and MRI scans reveal which brain regions are active during different mental tasks, making cognitive psychology more scientific and reliable.
Psychodynamic, Humanistic and Biological Approaches
Freud's psychodynamic approach suggests your personality has three parts: the id (wants immediate pleasure), ego (deals with reality), and superego (your moral conscience). Much of our behaviour comes from unconscious conflicts between these parts.
Freud believed we develop through psychosexual stages in childhood, and problems at any stage can affect adult personality. Defence mechanisms like repression, denial, and displacement protect us from anxiety by keeping uncomfortable thoughts unconscious.
The humanistic approach takes a completely different view - humans have free will and an innate drive toward self-improvement. Maslow's hierarchy of needs shows we must satisfy basic needs (food, safety) before reaching self-actualisation. Rogers emphasized the importance of congruence between your real and ideal self.
Study Tip: Think of these approaches as different lenses for viewing the same behaviour - each offers unique insights.
The biological approach explains behaviour through genetics, brain structure, and biochemistry. Natural selection has shaped behaviours that help survival, like attachment between infants and caregivers. Modern brain imaging and twin studies show how much of our behaviour has biological roots, leading to effective drug treatments for mental health conditions.
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The app is very easy to use and well designed. I have found everything I was looking for so far and have been able to learn a lot from the presentations! I will definitely use the app for a class assignment! And of course it also helps a lot as an inspiration.
Stefan S
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This app is really great. There are so many study notes and help [...]. My problem subject is French, for example, and the app has so many options for help. Thanks to this app, I have improved my French. I would recommend it to anyone.
Samantha Klich
Android user
Wow, I am really amazed. I just tried the app because I've seen it advertised many times and was absolutely stunned. This app is THE HELP you want for school and above all, it offers so many things, such as workouts and fact sheets, which have been VERY helpful to me personally.
Anna
iOS user
Best app on earth! no words because it’s too good
Thomas R
iOS user
Just amazing. Let's me revise 10x better, this app is a quick 10/10. I highly recommend it to anyone. I can watch and search for notes. I can save them in the subject folder. I can revise it any time when I come back. If you haven't tried this app, you're really missing out.
Basil
Android user
This app has made me feel so much more confident in my exam prep, not only through boosting my own self confidence through the features that allow you to connect with others and feel less alone, but also through the way the app itself is centred around making you feel better. It is easy to navigate, fun to use, and helpful to anyone struggling in absolutely any way.
David K
iOS user
The app's just great! All I have to do is enter the topic in the search bar and I get the response real fast. I don't have to watch 10 YouTube videos to understand something, so I'm saving my time. Highly recommended!
Sudenaz Ocak
Android user
In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.
Greenlight Bonnie
Android user
very reliable app to help and grow your ideas of Maths, English and other related topics in your works. please use this app if your struggling in areas, this app is key for that. wish I'd of done a review before. and it's also free so don't worry about that.
Rohan U
Android user
I know a lot of apps use fake accounts to boost their reviews but this app deserves it all. Originally I was getting 4 in my English exams and this time I got a grade 7. I didn’t even know about this app three days until the exam and it has helped A LOT. Please actually trust me and use it as I’m sure you too will see developments.
Xander S
iOS user
THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE THE SCHOOLGPT. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH 😍😁😲🤑💗✨🎀😮
Elisha
iOS user
This apps acc the goat. I find revision so boring but this app makes it so easy to organize it all and then you can ask the freeeee ai to test yourself so good and you can easily upload your own stuff. highly recommend as someone taking mocks now
Paul T
iOS user
The app is very easy to use and well designed. I have found everything I was looking for so far and have been able to learn a lot from the presentations! I will definitely use the app for a class assignment! And of course it also helps a lot as an inspiration.
Stefan S
iOS user
This app is really great. There are so many study notes and help [...]. My problem subject is French, for example, and the app has so many options for help. Thanks to this app, I have improved my French. I would recommend it to anyone.
Samantha Klich
Android user
Wow, I am really amazed. I just tried the app because I've seen it advertised many times and was absolutely stunned. This app is THE HELP you want for school and above all, it offers so many things, such as workouts and fact sheets, which have been VERY helpful to me personally.
Anna
iOS user
Best app on earth! no words because it’s too good
Thomas R
iOS user
Just amazing. Let's me revise 10x better, this app is a quick 10/10. I highly recommend it to anyone. I can watch and search for notes. I can save them in the subject folder. I can revise it any time when I come back. If you haven't tried this app, you're really missing out.
Basil
Android user
This app has made me feel so much more confident in my exam prep, not only through boosting my own self confidence through the features that allow you to connect with others and feel less alone, but also through the way the app itself is centred around making you feel better. It is easy to navigate, fun to use, and helpful to anyone struggling in absolutely any way.
David K
iOS user
The app's just great! All I have to do is enter the topic in the search bar and I get the response real fast. I don't have to watch 10 YouTube videos to understand something, so I'm saving my time. Highly recommended!
Sudenaz Ocak
Android user
In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.
Greenlight Bonnie
Android user
very reliable app to help and grow your ideas of Maths, English and other related topics in your works. please use this app if your struggling in areas, this app is key for that. wish I'd of done a review before. and it's also free so don't worry about that.
Rohan U
Android user
I know a lot of apps use fake accounts to boost their reviews but this app deserves it all. Originally I was getting 4 in my English exams and this time I got a grade 7. I didn’t even know about this app three days until the exam and it has helped A LOT. Please actually trust me and use it as I’m sure you too will see developments.
Xander S
iOS user
THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE THE SCHOOLGPT. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH 😍😁😲🤑💗✨🎀😮
Elisha
iOS user
This apps acc the goat. I find revision so boring but this app makes it so easy to organize it all and then you can ask the freeeee ai to test yourself so good and you can easily upload your own stuff. highly recommend as someone taking mocks now
Paul T
iOS user
Psychology Approaches Explained
L
Lucia Bonaldi
@luciab.12
Psychology isn't just about reading minds - it's a proper science that helps us understand why we think, feel, and behave the way we do. From studying how we learn through watching others to exploring the hidden parts of our... Show more
The Learning Approaches: Behaviourism and Social Learning
Ever wonder why you jump when you hear a sudden loud noise, or why you copied that viral TikTok dance? Behaviourism suggests we learn everything through experience - we're born as blank slates and our environment shapes us completely.
Classical conditioning shows how we learn by association. Pavlov's famous dogs learned to salivate when they heard a bell because they'd associated it with food. Watson proved this works on humans too - he conditioned baby Albert to fear white rats by pairing them with scary loud noises. This explains how phobias develop and why certain songs might make you feel emotional.
Operant conditioning is about learning through consequences. Skinner showed that rats would press levers more often if they got food (positive reinforcement) or if it stopped electric shocks (negative reinforcement). Think about how you're more likely to revise if your parents reward good grades - that's operant conditioning in action.
Quick Tip: Remember the difference - classical conditioning pairs two things together, whilst operant conditioning uses rewards and punishments after behaviour.
Social Learning Theory bridges behaviourism and cognitive approaches. Bandura's Bobo doll study proved children copy aggressive behaviour they observe, especially from role models they identify with. This happens through mediational processes - attention, retention, reproduction, and motivation.
Sign up to see the contentIt's free!
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By signing up you accept Terms of Service and Privacy Policy
The Cognitive Approach: Your Mind as a Computer
Your brain processes information like a sophisticated computer - taking in data, processing it, and producing responses. The cognitive approach focuses on how we think, remember, and solve problems rather than just observable behaviour.
Schemas are mental frameworks that help us organise knowledge. They're like filing systems in your brain that help you understand new information quickly. However, they can also lead to stereotypes when we force new information to fit existing schemas rather than updating them.
Cognitive psychologists use theoretical models and computer simulations to understand mental processes we can't directly observe. They make inferences about how memory, attention, and thinking work based on experimental evidence.
Real-world Connection: When you automatically know how to behave in a restaurant or classroom, you're using schemas built from past experiences.
Cognitive neuroscience combines psychology with brain imaging technology. Studies of patients like HM (who lost his memory after brain surgery) show how specific brain areas control different cognitive functions. PET and MRI scans reveal which brain regions are active during different mental tasks, making cognitive psychology more scientific and reliable.
Sign up to see the contentIt's free!
Access to all documents
Improve your grades
Join milions of students
By signing up you accept Terms of Service and Privacy Policy
Psychodynamic, Humanistic and Biological Approaches
Freud's psychodynamic approach suggests your personality has three parts: the id (wants immediate pleasure), ego (deals with reality), and superego (your moral conscience). Much of our behaviour comes from unconscious conflicts between these parts.
Freud believed we develop through psychosexual stages in childhood, and problems at any stage can affect adult personality. Defence mechanisms like repression, denial, and displacement protect us from anxiety by keeping uncomfortable thoughts unconscious.
The humanistic approach takes a completely different view - humans have free will and an innate drive toward self-improvement. Maslow's hierarchy of needs shows we must satisfy basic needs (food, safety) before reaching self-actualisation. Rogers emphasized the importance of congruence between your real and ideal self.
Study Tip: Think of these approaches as different lenses for viewing the same behaviour - each offers unique insights.
The biological approach explains behaviour through genetics, brain structure, and biochemistry. Natural selection has shaped behaviours that help survival, like attachment between infants and caregivers. Modern brain imaging and twin studies show how much of our behaviour has biological roots, leading to effective drug treatments for mental health conditions.
We thought you’d never ask...
What is the Knowunity AI companion?
Our AI Companion is a student-focused AI tool that offers more than just answers. Built on millions of Knowunity resources, it provides relevant information, personalised study plans, quizzes, and content directly in the chat, adapting to your individual learning journey.
Where can I download the Knowunity app?
You can download the app from Google Play Store and Apple App Store.
Is Knowunity really free of charge?
That's right! Enjoy free access to study content, connect with fellow students, and get instant help – all at your fingertips.
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Most popular content: Behaviorism
Most popular content in Psychology
Most popular content
English - inspector calls quotes and analysis
Quotes from every main character
English Literature10
Can't find what you're looking for? Explore other subjects.
Students love us — and so will you.
4.9/5
App Store
4.8/5
Google Play
The app is very easy to use and well designed. I have found everything I was looking for so far and have been able to learn a lot from the presentations! I will definitely use the app for a class assignment! And of course it also helps a lot as an inspiration.
Stefan S
iOS user
This app is really great. There are so many study notes and help [...]. My problem subject is French, for example, and the app has so many options for help. Thanks to this app, I have improved my French. I would recommend it to anyone.
Samantha Klich
Android user
Wow, I am really amazed. I just tried the app because I've seen it advertised many times and was absolutely stunned. This app is THE HELP you want for school and above all, it offers so many things, such as workouts and fact sheets, which have been VERY helpful to me personally.
Anna
iOS user
Best app on earth! no words because it’s too good
Thomas R
iOS user
Just amazing. Let's me revise 10x better, this app is a quick 10/10. I highly recommend it to anyone. I can watch and search for notes. I can save them in the subject folder. I can revise it any time when I come back. If you haven't tried this app, you're really missing out.
Basil
Android user
This app has made me feel so much more confident in my exam prep, not only through boosting my own self confidence through the features that allow you to connect with others and feel less alone, but also through the way the app itself is centred around making you feel better. It is easy to navigate, fun to use, and helpful to anyone struggling in absolutely any way.
David K
iOS user
The app's just great! All I have to do is enter the topic in the search bar and I get the response real fast. I don't have to watch 10 YouTube videos to understand something, so I'm saving my time. Highly recommended!
Sudenaz Ocak
Android user
In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.
Greenlight Bonnie
Android user
very reliable app to help and grow your ideas of Maths, English and other related topics in your works. please use this app if your struggling in areas, this app is key for that. wish I'd of done a review before. and it's also free so don't worry about that.
Rohan U
Android user
I know a lot of apps use fake accounts to boost their reviews but this app deserves it all. Originally I was getting 4 in my English exams and this time I got a grade 7. I didn’t even know about this app three days until the exam and it has helped A LOT. Please actually trust me and use it as I’m sure you too will see developments.
Xander S
iOS user
THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE THE SCHOOLGPT. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH 😍😁😲🤑💗✨🎀😮
Elisha
iOS user
This apps acc the goat. I find revision so boring but this app makes it so easy to organize it all and then you can ask the freeeee ai to test yourself so good and you can easily upload your own stuff. highly recommend as someone taking mocks now
Paul T
iOS user
The app is very easy to use and well designed. I have found everything I was looking for so far and have been able to learn a lot from the presentations! I will definitely use the app for a class assignment! And of course it also helps a lot as an inspiration.
Stefan S
iOS user
This app is really great. There are so many study notes and help [...]. My problem subject is French, for example, and the app has so many options for help. Thanks to this app, I have improved my French. I would recommend it to anyone.
Samantha Klich
Android user
Wow, I am really amazed. I just tried the app because I've seen it advertised many times and was absolutely stunned. This app is THE HELP you want for school and above all, it offers so many things, such as workouts and fact sheets, which have been VERY helpful to me personally.
Anna
iOS user
Best app on earth! no words because it’s too good
Thomas R
iOS user
Just amazing. Let's me revise 10x better, this app is a quick 10/10. I highly recommend it to anyone. I can watch and search for notes. I can save them in the subject folder. I can revise it any time when I come back. If you haven't tried this app, you're really missing out.
Basil
Android user
This app has made me feel so much more confident in my exam prep, not only through boosting my own self confidence through the features that allow you to connect with others and feel less alone, but also through the way the app itself is centred around making you feel better. It is easy to navigate, fun to use, and helpful to anyone struggling in absolutely any way.
David K
iOS user
The app's just great! All I have to do is enter the topic in the search bar and I get the response real fast. I don't have to watch 10 YouTube videos to understand something, so I'm saving my time. Highly recommended!
Sudenaz Ocak
Android user
In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.
Greenlight Bonnie
Android user
very reliable app to help and grow your ideas of Maths, English and other related topics in your works. please use this app if your struggling in areas, this app is key for that. wish I'd of done a review before. and it's also free so don't worry about that.
Rohan U
Android user
I know a lot of apps use fake accounts to boost their reviews but this app deserves it all. Originally I was getting 4 in my English exams and this time I got a grade 7. I didn’t even know about this app three days until the exam and it has helped A LOT. Please actually trust me and use it as I’m sure you too will see developments.
Xander S
iOS user
THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE THE SCHOOLGPT. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH 😍😁😲🤑💗✨🎀😮
Elisha
iOS user
This apps acc the goat. I find revision so boring but this app makes it so easy to organize it all and then you can ask the freeeee ai to test yourself so good and you can easily upload your own stuff. highly recommend as someone taking mocks now
Paul T
iOS user