Origins and Major Approaches to Psychology
Wilhelm Wundt kicked off psychology as a proper science by opening the first psychology lab. He used introspection - getting people to observe and report their own thoughts and feelings in response to stimuli. Whilst groundbreaking, this method lacked reliability since you can't really measure thoughts objectively.
The Behaviourist Approach focuses purely on observable behaviour. Classical conditioning (Pavlov's dogs) shows how we learn through association - pairing a neutral stimulus (bell) with an unconditioned stimulus (food) until the bell alone triggers salivation. Operant conditioning uses consequences: positive reinforcement gives rewards, negative reinforcement removes something unpleasant.
Social Learning Theory bridges behaviourism and cognitive approaches. Bandura's Bobo doll experiment proved we learn by watching others, especially models we identify with (same gender, successful, similar to us). The process involves attention, retention, reproduction, and motivation.
Quick Tip: Remember the acronym ARRM for social learning: Attention, Retention, Reproduction, Motivation!
The Cognitive Approach treats the mind like a computer, processing information between stimulus and response. Theoretical models use flowcharts to show how we process information. It's led to effective treatments like CBT for depression and anxiety.
The Biological Approach explains behaviour through genetics, brain structure, and neurochemicals. Your genotype (genetic makeup) influences your phenotype (observable characteristics). Neurotransmitter imbalances can cause mental disorders - that's why antidepressants like SSRIs work.
The Psychodynamic Approach (Freud) suggests unconscious drives control behaviour. Personality has three parts: id (pleasure principle), ego (reality principle), and superego (morality). Defence mechanisms like denial and repression protect us from anxiety.
The Humanistic Approach emphasises free will and personal growth. Maslow's hierarchy of needs shows we progress from basic needs (food, shelter) to self-actualisation. Rogers believed unconditional positive regard helps people reach their potential when their ideal self matches their real self.
