Approaches in Psychology

This section outlines major psychological approaches, essential for the AQA A Level Psychology specification.

Behaviorist Approaches

The guide covers:

• Classical conditioning (Pavlov's research)
• Operant conditioning (Skinner's research)
• Social Learning Theory (Bandura's research)

Example: Pavlov's experiments with dogs demonstrated how neutral stimuli could become associated with reflexive responses through classical conditioning.

Cognitive Approach

Key aspects of the cognitive approach are discussed:

• Internal mental processes
• The role of schemas
• Theoretical and computer models of mental processing
• Cognitive neuroscience

Highlight: Understanding schemas is crucial for explaining how people organize and interpret information, a key concept in cognitive psychology.

Biological Approach

The guide covers biological influences on behavior:

• Genetic influences
• Biological structures
• Neurochemistry
• Evolution and behavior

Vocabulary: Genotype refers to an organism's genetic makeup, while phenotype is the observable characteristics resulting from the interaction of genotype and environment.

Psychodynamic Approach

Freud's psychodynamic theory is explained:

• The unconscious mind
• Structure of personality (Id, Ego, Superego)
• Defence mechanisms
• Psychosexual stages

Definition: Repression is a defence mechanism where unacceptable thoughts or memories are pushed into the unconscious mind.

Humanistic Psychology

Key concepts in humanistic psychology are covered:

• Free will
• Self-actualization
• Maslow's hierarchy of needs
• The role of conditions of worth

Quote: "The focus on self-actualization and personal growth distinguishes humanistic psychology from other approaches."

Memory

This section covers key theories and concepts related to memory, an important topic in AQA A Level Psychology Paper 1.

Multi-Store Model of Memory

The guide explains the components of the multi-store model:

• Sensory register
• Short-term memory (STM)
• Long-term memory (LTM)

Highlight: Understanding the features of each memory store, such as capacity and duration, is crucial for explaining how information is processed and retained.

Working Memory Model

The components of the working memory model are discussed:

• Central executive
• Phonological loop
• Visuo-spatial sketchpad
• Episodic buffer

Example: The phonological loop is responsible for processing and temporarily storing verbal information, such as remembering a phone number long enough to dial it.

Eyewitness Testimony

Factors affecting the accuracy of eyewitness testimony are covered:

• Misleading information
• Leading questions
• Post-event discussion
• Anxiety

Vocabulary: Retroactive interference occurs when new information interferes with the recall of previously learned information, a concept often tested in A Level Psychology Paper 2 topics.

Improving Memory Accuracy

The guide discusses methods for improving the accuracy of eyewitness testimony and memory in general:

• Cognitive interview techniques
• Mnemonics
• Elaborative rehearsal

Highlight: Understanding these techniques is not only important for exams but also has practical applications in real-world settings, such as law enforcement and education.