social impact theory notes; developed by Bibb Latane (‘81), explains why people conform in some situations and not others he suggested the amount of influence a person has in a social situation depends on: number, strength, immediacy number ~ the more people present the more influence they will have on others. study = Milgram’s field study […]

Outline the cognitive approach to psychopathology.  (6 marks) The cognitive approach to psychopathology suggests that irrational thoughts are the causes for abnormality. It is believed that if there is a change in the thinking then there will be a change in the mental illness and should be able to be cured. Psychologists came to an agreement that how a […]

1. Discuss the behavioural approach to explaining psychological abnormality.  (12 marks) It is suggested hat abnormal behaviours are learnt through conditioning, this could be; operant conditioning and classical conditioning. Behaviouriss suggest that classical conditioning can be the reason behind the development of abnomal behaviours, such as phobias. A study o support this would be Little […]

Good; Patients often welcome drug therapy, as it is quicker, easier and less threatening than talk therapy. Between 50 – 65% of patients benefit from drug treatments. Drug treatment is usually superior to no treatment. Drug treatments lead to short-term improvement of most psychological symptoms. Drugs make it possible for the patient to benefit from […]

How do SSRI’s (Selective serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors) work? SSRI’s are a class of compounds typically used as antidepressants in the treatment of depression, anxiety disorders, and some personality disorders. SSRIs are believed to increase the extracellular level of the neurotransmitter serotonin by inhibiting its reuptake into the presynaptic cell, increasing the level of serotonin in the synaptic cleft. What are the issues (weaknesses) […]

Definitions Agoraphobia; Extreme or irrational fear of crowded spaces or enclosed public places Schizophrenia; A long-term mental disorder of a type involving a breakdown in the relation between thoughts, emotions, and behaviours Depression; A condition of mental disturbance involving a lack of energy and difficulty in maintaining concentration or interest in life Anorexia Nervosa; A […]

Experimental methods; research which is done in a laboratory, the investigator will have full control over the testing, this is so it will become easier to understand the process. Non-experimental methods; a researcher will show a possible effect on a subject after a real life situation. The investigator has no control over this. The investigator would […]

Bowbly’s theory suggests children have an innate drive to become attached to a caregiver. Because attachment has long term benefits which are similar to imprinting benefits, imprinting is developing a bond. The sensitive period is part of development; it is a short time-span in which the infant must attach to the caregiver. Infants are born […]