Psychology approaches are different ways of understanding why people behave... Show more
Psychology595 views·Updated May 17, 2026·2 pagesUnderstanding Key Approaches in Psychology
Zed@zknowunity
1
of 2
The Cognitive Approach in Psychology
Ever wondered how your brain processes information when you're cramming for an exam? The cognitive approach focuses on how we think, remember, and process information to explain behaviour. Unlike behaviourists who ignore mental processes, cognitive psychologists believe our thoughts are the key to understanding why we act the way we do.
Since we can't directly observe thoughts, cognitive psychologists use laboratory experiments to study behaviour and make inferences about what's happening in our minds. They're basically detective work - observing what people do and figuring out the mental processes behind it.
Schemas are mental frameworks we build from experience that help us understand the world around us. Think of them as filing systems in your brain that help you quickly categorise new information. However, these can sometimes lead to mistakes when we misinterpret situations based on past experiences.
Cognitive psychologists love using computer models to explain how the mind works. The information-processing model compares your brain to a computer: information comes in through your senses (input), gets processed through your schemas, and produces behaviour (output). Cognitive neuroscience takes this further by using brain imaging to see what's actually happening in your brain when you think.
Quick Tip: Remember that cognitive psychology is all about the mental processes between stimulus and response - it's what happens in your head that matters!
2
of 2
The Biological Approach in Psychology
Your brain weighs about 1.4kg and contains roughly 86 billion neurons - and according to the biological approach, this physical structure explains everything about your behaviour. Biopsychologists argue that your mind literally lives in your brain, so all thoughts, feelings, and actions have a physical basis in your neurochemistry.
Evolution plays a huge role in this approach. Behaviours like aggression might seem destructive, but evolutionary psychologists argue they helped our ancestors survive and were passed down through natural selection. Your genes contain DNA that codes for both physical and psychological traits, inherited from your parents.
Twin studies are crucial for testing biological explanations. Identical twins (MZ) share 100% of their genes, while non-identical twins (DZ) share only 50%. By comparing their similarities, researchers can work out how much behaviour is influenced by genetics. Your genotype is your genetic makeup, whilst your phenotype is how those genes actually express themselves in combination with environmental factors.
The biological approach has revolutionised mental health treatment through psychoactive drugs like antidepressants and antipsychotics. These medications have helped millions of people manage conditions like depression and schizophrenia, allowing them to live relatively normal lives outside psychiatric hospitals.
Exam Alert: Don't confuse correlation with causation - just because a drug treats depression doesn't mean the original problem was purely biological!
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Psychology595 views·Updated May 17, 2026·2 pagesUnderstanding Key Approaches in Psychology
Zed@zknowunity
Psychology approaches are different ways of understanding why people behave the way they do. Two major approaches - cognitive and biological - offer completely different explanations for human behaviour, and you'll need to know both their strengths and weaknesses for... Show more
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The Cognitive Approach in Psychology
Ever wondered how your brain processes information when you're cramming for an exam? The cognitive approach focuses on how we think, remember, and process information to explain behaviour. Unlike behaviourists who ignore mental processes, cognitive psychologists believe our thoughts are the key to understanding why we act the way we do.
Since we can't directly observe thoughts, cognitive psychologists use laboratory experiments to study behaviour and make inferences about what's happening in our minds. They're basically detective work - observing what people do and figuring out the mental processes behind it.
Schemas are mental frameworks we build from experience that help us understand the world around us. Think of them as filing systems in your brain that help you quickly categorise new information. However, these can sometimes lead to mistakes when we misinterpret situations based on past experiences.
Cognitive psychologists love using computer models to explain how the mind works. The information-processing model compares your brain to a computer: information comes in through your senses (input), gets processed through your schemas, and produces behaviour (output). Cognitive neuroscience takes this further by using brain imaging to see what's actually happening in your brain when you think.
Quick Tip: Remember that cognitive psychology is all about the mental processes between stimulus and response - it's what happens in your head that matters!
2
of 2Sign up to see the content. It's free!
- Access to all documents
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The Biological Approach in Psychology
Your brain weighs about 1.4kg and contains roughly 86 billion neurons - and according to the biological approach, this physical structure explains everything about your behaviour. Biopsychologists argue that your mind literally lives in your brain, so all thoughts, feelings, and actions have a physical basis in your neurochemistry.
Evolution plays a huge role in this approach. Behaviours like aggression might seem destructive, but evolutionary psychologists argue they helped our ancestors survive and were passed down through natural selection. Your genes contain DNA that codes for both physical and psychological traits, inherited from your parents.
Twin studies are crucial for testing biological explanations. Identical twins (MZ) share 100% of their genes, while non-identical twins (DZ) share only 50%. By comparing their similarities, researchers can work out how much behaviour is influenced by genetics. Your genotype is your genetic makeup, whilst your phenotype is how those genes actually express themselves in combination with environmental factors.
The biological approach has revolutionised mental health treatment through psychoactive drugs like antidepressants and antipsychotics. These medications have helped millions of people manage conditions like depression and schizophrenia, allowing them to live relatively normal lives outside psychiatric hospitals.
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