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Psychology238Updated 17 Oct 20262 pages

AQA A-Level Psychology: Comparing Key Approaches

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Amala Seth@amala_seth
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Psychology isn't just one approach - it's actually made up of several different perspectives that try to explain human behaviour in completely different ways. Understanding how these approaches compare will help you tackle those tricky evaluation questions and show you why psychologists sometimes disagree about the same behaviours.
Comparing Approaches – page 1

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Determinism vs Free Will: Who's Really in Control?

Most psychological approaches believe your behaviour is deterministic - meaning it's controlled by factors beyond your choice. The biological approach blames your genes and brain chemistry, whilst behaviourists point to your environment and learning experiences.

Social learning theory focuses on external influences like role models you've observed, while the cognitive approach suggests your neurological processes make all the decisions. Even psychodynamic theory rejects free will, arguing that unconscious motives drive everything you do.

Only the humanistic approach gives you credit for having free will. It believes you actively make choices about your life path and must face the consequences - quite refreshing compared to the others!

Quick Tip: Remember that deterministic approaches suggest behaviour is predictable, whilst free will approaches emphasise personal responsibility and choice.

Comparing Approaches – page 2

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Nature vs Nurture: Born This Way or Made This Way?

The nature versus nurture debate splits psychology right down the middle. On the nature side, biological approaches focus on genes, evolution, and neurochemicals that you're born with. Cognitive psychology also leans towards nature, emphasising your innate mental capacity.

The nurture camp includes behaviourists who believe environment and learning shape everything about you. Social learning theory backs this up by highlighting how role models and observation influence your behaviour through imitation.

Interestingly, some approaches sit on the fence. Psychodynamic theory acknowledges innate drives but emphasises how childhood experiences mould your personality. The humanistic approach recognises biological drives while focusing on how you perceive and interpret the world around you.

Remember: Most modern psychologists believe it's not either/or - nature and nurture work together to shape who you become.

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