Biological Approach

The biological approach in psychology emphasizes the importance of physical processes in the brain, including genetic inheritance and neural functions. This perspective views behaviour as having a physical basis, contrasting with the cognitive approach that sees mental processes as separate from the physical brain.

Definition: The biological approach posits that psychological characteristics and behaviours have a genetic and neurological basis.

A key method in this approach is the use of twin studies to investigate the genetic basis of psychological characteristics. These studies analyze concordance rates between monozygotic (identical) and dizygotic (fraternal) twins.

Vocabulary: Concordance rates refer to the extent to which twins share the same characteristics.

Example: Twin studies psychology compare identical twins (sharing 100% of genes) with fraternal twins (sharing about 50% of genes) to determine the genetic influence on various traits.

The biological approach is rooted in evolutionary theory, drawing on concepts such as natural selection and adaptation proposed by Charles Darwin.

Strengths of the biological approach include:

1. High validity due to its basis in observable physical processes
2. Real-life applications, such as developing drugs for mental health disorders

However, there are also limitations:

1. Drug treatments may have severe side effects and are not effective for all patients
2. Twin studies don't fully separate nature from nurture
3. It can be reductionist, potentially neglecting social and cultural factors

Highlight: The biological approach has significantly contributed to our understanding of the genetic and neural bases of behaviour, but it's important to consider its limitations and integrate it with other psychological perspectives.

Cognitive Approach

The cognitive approach in psychology focuses on how mental processes affect behaviour. This perspective posits that information is processed by the brain, which then directs behaviour. While internal mental processes cannot be directly observed, they can be inferred from a person's actions.

Definition: The cognitive approach examines how mental processes such as thinking, memory, and problem-solving influence behaviour.

A key concept in this approach is the schema, which is a mental framework of beliefs and expectations developed by an individual. Schemas help us process information efficiently but can also lead to biases in interpretation.

Vocabulary: A schema is a cognitive framework that helps organize and interpret information.

The cognitive approach has been significantly advanced by brain imaging technologies like fMRI, which allow researchers to observe brain activity during cognitive tasks.

Strengths of the cognitive approach include:

1. It provides explanations for complex phenomena like memory distortion in eyewitness testimony
2. It's less deterministic than some other approaches, acknowledging the influence of moral values and social norms
3. It has led to effective treatments like Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) for various mental disorders

However, there are also limitations:

1. Some cognitive studies lack ecological validity due to artificial experimental environments
2. The approach may not fully account for genetic factors

Highlight: The cognitive approach has revolutionized our understanding of mental processes and their impact on behaviour, leading to significant advances in both theory and therapeutic practice.

Example: Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), based on cognitive principles, is an effective treatment for various mental health issues without the side effects associated with some medications.

In conclusion, the cognitive approach provides valuable insights into how we process information and make decisions, complementing other psychological perspectives in our understanding of human behaviour.

Behaviourist Approach

The behaviourist approach is a psychological perspective that explains observable behaviour through learning and conditioning. This approach focuses on two main types of conditioning: classical and operant.

Classical conditioning, pioneered by Pavlov, involves learning through association.

Example: In Pavlov's famous experiment, dogs learned to associate a neutral stimulus (bell) with food, eventually salivating at the sound of the bell alone.

Operant conditioning, developed by Skinner, emphasizes learning through consequences.

Example: In Skinner's box experiments, rats learned to press levers for rewards (positive reinforcement) or to avoid punishment (negative reinforcement).

The behaviourist approach has several strengths:

1. It introduced scientific methods to psychology
2. It allows for high control of extraneous variables
3. It has practical applications, such as systematic desensitization for treating phobias

However, there are also criticisms:

1. Experiments on animals may not accurately reflect human behaviour
2. It neglects biological factors, such as the role of neurotransmitters

Highlight: The behaviourist approach has significantly contributed to our understanding of learning processes and has practical applications in therapy.

Social Learning Theory

Social Learning Theory (SLT) expands on behaviourism by incorporating cognitive factors and explaining behaviour through direct and indirect reinforcement. Albert Bandura's Bobo doll experiment demonstrated how children learn aggressive behaviour by observing and imitating adults.

Definition: Social learning theory posits that people learn by observing others' behaviour and its consequences.

The theory involves four mediational processes:

1. Attention: Observing behaviour and consequences
2. Retention: Storing information in long-term memory
3. Reproduction: Copying the observed behaviour
4. Motivation: Expecting similar positive reinforcement as the role model

Vocabulary: Vicarious reinforcement refers to imitating behaviour that has been rewarded when observed in others.

While SLT provides valuable insights into learning processes, it has been criticized for:

1. Relying on laboratory experiments that may not reflect real-life situations
2. Potential demand characteristics in experiments
3. Not fully accounting for cultural and individual differences in upbringing

Highlight: Social learning theory bridges behaviorism and cognitive approaches, emphasizing the role of observation and imitation in learning.