Approaches (case studies)

Behaviourist Approach

Ivan Pavlov

Aim: To see if dogs could learn through association

Research: Paired bell (neutral stimulus) with food repeatedly

Findings: Dogs salivated to the bell alone → classical conditioning

B. F. Skinner

Aim: To study how behaviour is shaped by consequences

Research: Used Skinner box with rats/pigeons and rewards/punishments

Findings: Behaviour is learned through reinforcement and punishment

SLT

Albert Bandura (Bobo Doll Study)

Aim: To see if children learn aggression through observation

Research: Children watched aggressive/non-aggressive models

Findings: Children imitated aggressive behaviour, especially same-sex mod

Cognitive Approach

Elizabeth Loftus & Palmer

Aim: To investigate if leading questions affect memory

Research: Participants watched car crash videos and answered questions

Findings: Wording (e.g. “smashed”) changed speed estimates

Brenda Milner (HM Case Study)

Aim: To understand the role of the hippocampus in memory

Research: Studied patient HM after hippocampus removal

Findings: Could not form new long-term memories

Biological Approach

Eleanor Maguire

Aim: To see if navigation affects brain structure

Research: Brain scans of London taxi drivers vs non-drivers

Findings: Taxi drivers had larger hippocampi

Adrian Raine

Aim: To investigate brain differences in murderers

Research: PET scans comparing murderers and controls

Findings: Abnormal activity in areas like the prefrontal cortex

Psychodynamic Approach

Sigmund Freud (Little Hans)

Aim: To explain the origin of phobias

Research: Case study of a boy with a horse phobia

Findings: Phobia linked to unconscious conflict (Oedipus complex)

Humanistic Approach

Carl Rogers

Aim: To understand personal growth and self-development

Research: Developed client-centred therapy

Findings: Unconditional positive regard helps achieve self-actualisation