Approaches in Psychology is a core part of A-Level Psychology. Revise the key concepts and common mistakes below, then lock them in with the free games.
Key concepts
Self-ActualisationMaslow — reaching one's full potential.
Hierarchy of NeedsMaslow's five-tier pyramid from physiological to self-actualisation.
CongruenceRogers — closeness between self and ideal self.
Conditions of WorthConditional approval shaping self-concept.
Vicarious ReinforcementLearning from observed consequences for others.
Mediational ProcessesAttention, retention, reproduction, motivation — SLT.
GenotypeAn individual's genetic makeup.
PhenotypeObservable characteristics from genotype plus environment.
ConcordanceLikelihood both twins share a trait.
Id, Ego, SuperegoFreud's tripartite personality.
Defence MechanismUnconscious strategy protecting ego from anxiety.
Psychosexual StageFreud's developmental stages: oral, anal, phallic, latent, genital.
Classical ConditioningLearning through association — Pavlov 1902.
Operant ConditioningLearning through consequences — Skinner 1953.
Common mistakes to avoid
Questions where students often pick the tempting wrong answer — make sure you know the right one:
According to Maslow, when can self-actualisation be achieved?✗ Anyone can self-actualise at any time through willpower. ✓ Only after lower deficiency needs are largely met.
What is the behaviourist view on the nature-nurture debate?✗ Both nature and nurture equally. ✓ Strongly nurture - we are shaped by environmental conditioning.
What is vicarious reinforcement?✗ Being directly rewarded for copying someone. ✓ Learning by observing the consequences others receive for behaviour.
Which part of the psyche operates on the reality principle?✗ The superego (moral principle). ✓ The ego.
What are the three elements of Beck's negative triad?✗ Negative views of past, present, and future. ✓ Negative views of self, world, and future.
Practise Approaches in Psychology — free games
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