Module 2: Different Approaches to Psychology

 

Module 2:

Different Approaches to Psychology

📖 Module Overview

After exploring the history of psychology in Module 1, we now begin looking at the major approaches used to explain human behaviour. Each approach examines behaviour from a different perspective, helping psychologists understand why people think, feel and act the way they do.

Modern psychologists recognise that no single approach can explain all aspects of human behaviour. Instead, each approach contributes something valuable, with its own strengths and limitations. In practice, psychologists often combine ideas from several approaches to gain a more complete understanding of an individual.

In this module you will learn about:

  • 👶 Developmental Psychology
  • 👥 Social Psychology
  • 🔬 Experimental Psychology
  • 🧬 Biological Psychology
  • 🧠 Cognitive Psychology

By the end of this module you should understand the main focus of each approach, the major theories behind them and how they are used in real world psychology today.

👶 Part 1: Developmental Psychology

🌱 What is Developmental Psychology?

Developmental psychology is the study of how humans grow, change and develop throughout their entire lifespan.

Although it is often associated with childhood, developmental psychology also studies:

  • 👶 Infancy
  • 🧒 Childhood
  • 🧑 Adolescence
  • 👨 Adulthood
  • 👵 Older adulthood

The aim is to understand both the changes and the continuity that occur as people develop physically, cognitively, emotionally and socially.

📌 Key Points

  • Studies development across the whole lifespan.
  • Looks at physical, cognitive, emotional and social development.
  • Examines both change and stability over time.
  • Modern developmental psychology began during the early twentieth century, with later research expanding to include adulthood and ageing.

❓Why is Developmental Psychology Important?

Developmental psychology helps explain:

  • How children learn.
  • Why people reach developmental milestones at different times.
  • How experiences during childhood influence later life.
  • How people continue to change throughout adulthood and old age.

Its findings are widely used in:

  • Education
  • Healthcare
  • Parenting
  • Social care
  • Mental health
  • Child development services

🧬 Nature vs Nurture

One of the oldest debates in psychology is whether development is mainly influenced by nature or nurture.

🌿 Nature

Nature refers to the biological characteristics we inherit from our parents.

This includes:

  • Genetics
  • Brain development
  • Inherited abilities
  • Biological maturation

Nature suggests our genes strongly influence how we develop.

🌍 Nurture

Nurture refers to the environment and experiences that shape us.

This includes:

  • Parenting
  • Education
  • Friendships
  • Culture
  • Life experiences
  • Opportunities

Nurture argues that our surroundings have a major influence on who we become.

⚖️ Modern Psychology's View

Most psychologists today believe development results from both genetics and environment working together.

Rather than choosing one side, psychologists recognise that inherited characteristics and life experiences constantly interact throughout life.

💡 Example

A child struggling to read may have:

  • A genetic predisposition that makes reading more difficult (nature).
  • Limited exposure to books or reading at home (nurture).

Modern psychology would usually consider both factors when explaining the child's development.

⭐ Key Learning Points

✅ Developmental psychology studies human development across the entire lifespan.

✅ It examines physical, cognitive, emotional and social development.

✅ The nature versus nurture debate asks whether genetics or environment has the greater influence on development.

✅ Modern psychologists generally agree that both biological and environmental factors work together.

👶 The Stages of Human Development

Developmental psychologists study how people change from conception through to old age. Although everyone develops at their own pace, there are common stages that most people experience. Each stage brings new physical, cognitive, emotional and social developments.

Life Stage Typical Age What Happens?
🤰 Prenatal Development Conception to Birth A fertilised egg develops into an embryo and then a foetus. The brain, organs and body systems begin forming before birth.
👶 Infancy & Toddlerhood Birth to 2 years Rapid brain growth takes place. Babies learn movement, begin recognising people, develop attachment to caregivers and start communicating.
🧒 Early Childhood 2 to 6 years Language develops quickly, imagination grows, motor skills improve and children begin forming friendships while learning through play.
🎒 Middle Childhood 6 to 11 years Logical thinking improves. Children gain confidence, strengthen friendships, develop moral understanding and become more independent.
🧑 Adolescence 11 to 20 years Puberty begins, abstract thinking develops, identity becomes important and friendships often have a strong influence on behaviour.
👨 Early Adulthood 20 to 40 years Many people continue education, begin careers, form long term relationships and may start families. Independence usually increases.
👩 Middle Adulthood 40 to 60 years Careers often peak, family responsibilities may change and people become more aware of ageing and long term health.
👵 Late Adulthood 60+ years Retirement may occur, physical health may gradually decline and many people reflect on their life experiences while adapting to later life changes.

💡 Why Are These Stages Important?

Developmental psychologists use these stages to understand what is generally expected at different ages.

Knowing these milestones helps professionals:

  • Identify normal patterns of development.
  • Recognise developmental delays.
  • Plan appropriate education and support.
  • Understand age related behaviours.
  • Improve health and wellbeing across the lifespan.

It is important to remember that every individual develops differently. The ages shown above are only general guidelines, and people may reach milestones earlier or later than others.

📝 Quick Summary

⭐ Development occurs throughout the entire lifespan.

⭐ Each stage brings unique physical, cognitive, emotional and social changes.

⭐ Development is continuous, with earlier experiences often influencing later life.

⭐ Although development follows common patterns, every individual develops at their own pace.

🧠 Memory Helper

Think of the journey through life like climbing a staircase:

🤰 Prenatal → 👶 Infancy → 🧒 Early Childhood → 🎒 Middle Childhood → 🧑 Adolescence → 👨 Early Adulthood → 👩 Middle Adulthood → 👵 Late Adulthood

Remember this sequence and you'll be able to recall the stages quickly during revision.

🧠 Freud's Psychosexual Theory of Development

One of the earliest and most controversial theories of development was created by Sigmund Freud. Freud believed that our personality is largely shaped during the first few years of life. He argued that if conflicts during childhood are not successfully resolved, they can influence behaviour well into adulthood.

Freud believed children pass through five psychosexual stages, with each stage focusing on pleasure and development in a different area of the body.

Although many of Freud's ideas are criticised today because they are difficult to test scientifically, his theory had a huge influence on the early development of psychology.

👶 Freud's Five Stages of Development

Stage Age Main Developmental Task Possible Adult Fixation
👄 Oral Stage Birth to 18 months Weaning from feeding and developing trust. Overeating, smoking or nail biting.
🚽 Anal Stage 18 months to 3 years Learning toilet training and self control. Extreme tidiness or excessive messiness.
👦 Phallic Stage 3 to 6 years Developing gender identity and recognising differences between sexes. Relationship or sexual difficulties in adulthood (according to Freud).
📚 Latent Stage 6 years to puberty Energy is focused on learning, friendships and developing social skills. Freud believed few fixations occur during this stage.
❤️ Genital Stage Puberty onwards Developing mature romantic relationships and adult sexuality. Difficulty forming satisfying adult relationships if earlier stages were unresolved.

💡 Strengths of Freud's Theory

✅ One of the first theories to suggest childhood experiences shape adult personality.

✅ Highlighted the importance of early family relationships.

✅ Influenced many later psychologists, including Erik Erikson.

⚠️ Criticisms of Freud's Theory

❌ Many ideas cannot be scientifically tested.

❌ Places too much emphasis on sexuality during childhood.

❌ Much of the evidence came from studying only a small number of patients.

❌ Modern psychologists believe both biological and environmental factors influence development, rather than unconscious drives alone.

📝 Quick Summary

⭐ Freud believed personality develops through five psychosexual stages.

⭐ Problems during a stage may lead to a fixation that affects adult behaviour.

⭐ Childhood experiences were seen as extremely important.

⭐ Although controversial, Freud's work laid the foundations for many later theories of development.

🧠 Memory Helper

Remember the order using the phrase:

👄 Old 🚽 People 📚 Love ❤️

Oral → Anal → Phallic → Latent → Genital

Think:

👄 Mouth → 🚽 Toilet → 👦 Identity → 📚 Learning → ❤️ Adult relationships

🧠 Erikson's Psychosocial Theory of Development

Psychologist Erik Erikson expanded on Freud's ideas but believed that development continues throughout the entire lifespan, not just childhood.

He suggested that at each stage of life we face a psychological conflict. Successfully resolving these conflicts helps us develop healthy personalities, while struggling with them may lead to difficulties later in life.

Unlike Freud, Erikson placed much greater importance on social relationships, culture and life experiences.

🌱 Erikson's Eight Psychosocial Stages

Stage Age Main Conflict Successful Outcome
👶 Trust vs Mistrust Birth to 1 year Can I trust the people around me? Hope and trust.
🚶 Autonomy vs Shame and Doubt 1 to 3 years Can I do things on my own? Independence and confidence.
🎨 Initiative vs Guilt 3 to 6 years Can I make decisions and take the lead? Purpose and initiative.
📚 Industry vs Inferiority 6 to 11 years Am I capable and successful? Competence and achievement.
🧑 Identity vs Role Confusion Adolescence Who am I? A strong sense of identity.
❤️ Intimacy vs Isolation Young adulthood Can I build close relationships? Love and meaningful connections.
🌍 Generativity vs Stagnation Middle adulthood Am I contributing to others? Care, productivity and purpose.
🌅 Ego Integrity vs Despair Older adulthood Have I lived a meaningful life? Wisdom, acceptance and peace.

💡 Strengths of Erikson's Theory

✅ Development continues throughout life.

✅ Highlights the importance of family, friendships and society.

✅ Widely used in education, counselling and developmental psychology.

⚠️ Criticisms of Erikson's Theory

❌ People's development does not always follow neat stages.

❌ Not everyone experiences each conflict in the same order.

❌ Some stages are difficult to measure scientifically.

📝 Quick Summary

⭐ Development occurs from birth to old age.

⭐ Every life stage presents a psychological challenge.

⭐ Successfully overcoming each challenge helps build a healthy personality.

⭐ Social relationships play a key role in development.

🧠 Memory Helper

Remember the journey through life like this:

👶 Trust → 🚶 Independence → 🎨 Initiative → 📚 Competence → 🧑 Identity → ❤️ Love → 🌍 Contribution → 🌅 Wisdom

Think of it as the story of a person's life, from learning to trust as a baby, to looking back with satisfaction in old age.

Perfect! 😄 We're now onto the third major developmental theory from your course.

🧠 Piaget's Cognitive Development Theory

Swiss psychologist Jean Piaget believed that children are active learners who build their understanding of the world through exploration and experience.

Unlike earlier theories that focused mainly on emotions or unconscious processes, Piaget was interested in how children's thinking develops as they grow.

He believed that children do not simply know more as they get older. Instead, their way of thinking changes, allowing them to understand increasingly complex ideas.

🌱 Piaget's Four Stages of Cognitive Development

Stage Age Main Characteristics
👶 Sensorimotor Stage Birth to 2 years Babies learn through their senses and physical actions. They begin to understand that objects continue to exist even when they cannot be seen (object permanence).
🧸 Preoperational Stage 2 to 7 years Language develops rapidly and children use imagination and symbolic play. However, their thinking is still egocentric and not yet fully logical.
📚 Concrete Operational Stage 7 to 11 years Logical thinking develops, but mainly about real objects and experiences. Children become better at solving problems and understanding different viewpoints.
🎓 Formal Operational Stage 11 years onwards Abstract thinking develops. Young people can think logically about hypothetical situations, plan ahead and solve complex problems.

🔑 Key Concepts

🧩 Schemas

Piaget believed we organise information into schemas.

Schemas are mental frameworks that help us understand and interpret the world around us.

As we gain new experiences, our schemas continue to develop and change.

🔄 Adaptation

Children constantly adapt their understanding as they learn new information.

Piaget suggested this happens through two processes:

Assimilation

New information is added to an existing schema.

Accommodation

Existing schemas are changed when new information does not fit what we already know.

💡 Real Life Example

A young child may believe every animal with four legs is a dog.

After seeing a cat, they might still call it a dog.

This is assimilation because they are fitting the new animal into an existing schema.

Once they learn that cats and dogs are different animals, they adjust their understanding.

This is accommodation.

⭐ Key Learning Points

✅ Children actively construct their own knowledge.

✅ Thinking develops in four distinct stages.

✅ Cognitive development becomes more advanced with age.

✅ Schemas help us organise information and understand new experiences.

✅ Learning involves both assimilation and accommodation.

💪 Strengths of Piaget's Theory

✅ Revolutionised our understanding of children's thinking.

✅ Highlighted that children think differently from adults.

✅ Influenced modern education and teaching methods.

✅ Still widely used in developmental psychology.

⚠️ Criticisms of Piaget's Theory

❌ Some children develop certain abilities earlier than Piaget suggested.

❌ Development may be more gradual than stage based.

❌ Social and cultural influences receive less attention than in other theories.

🧠 Memory Helper

Remember the stages:

Silly

People

Can

Fly

➡️ Sensorimotor

➡️ Preoperational

➡️ Concrete Operational

➡️ Formal Operational

🎓 Assessment Focus

Know these facts:

✔ Jean Piaget developed the Cognitive Development Theory.

✔ There are four stages of cognitive development.

✔ Preoperational Stage = 2 to 7 years.

✔ Formal Operational Stage = 11 years onwards, where abstract thinking develops.

✔ Schemas are mental frameworks that help us understand the world.

✔ Assimilation adds new information to an existing schema.

✔ Accommodation changes an existing schema when new information doesn't fit.

🚨 Common Mistakes

❌ Confusing Concrete Operational with Formal Operational.

✅ Concrete Operational (7 to 11 years) = Logical thinking about real objects.

✅ Formal Operational (11+ years) = Abstract and hypothetical thinking.

❌ Forgetting the order of Piaget's stages.

✅ Sensorimotor → Preoperational → Concrete Operational → Formal Operational.

✅ Quick Check

☐ Who developed the Cognitive Development Theory?

☐ Can you name Piaget's four stages in order?

☐ Which stage develops abstract thinking?

☐ What is a schema?

☐ What is the difference between assimilation and accommodation?

📖 Module 2 Progress

🟩 Module Overview ✅

🟩 Developmental Psychology ✅

🟩 Stages of Human Development ✅

🟩 Freud's Psychosexual Theory ✅

🟩 Erikson's Psychosocial Theory ✅

🟩 Piaget's Cognitive Development Theory ✅

⬜ Social Psychology

⬜ Experimental Psychology

⬜ Biological Psychology

⬜ Cognitive Psychology

⬜ Psychology Bible

⬜ Key Definitions

⬜ Assessment Focus

⬜ Distinction Notes

⬜ Common Mistakes

⬜ Quick Revision Summary

⬜ Self Test

👥 SOCIAL PSYCHOLOGY

📚 What is Social Psychology?

Social psychology is the study of how other people influence our thoughts, feelings and behaviour.

It explores how we behave in social situations and how our interactions with others shape the way we think about ourselves and the world around us.

Unlike developmental psychology, which focuses on how we change throughout life, social psychology examines how people influence one another.

🔑 Key Points

Social psychologists study:

  • 👥 Group behaviour
  • ❤️ Relationships
  • 😊 Attitudes
  • 🤝 Prejudice
  • 🌍 Culture
  • 👤 Social identity
  • 👀 Conformity
  • 💬 Communication
  • 💭 Thoughts and feelings in social situations

They aim to understand why people often behave differently when they are alone compared to when they are with others.

🌍 Why is Social Psychology Important?

Social psychology helps explain many everyday behaviours, including:

  • Why people conform to a group.
  • Why prejudice develops.
  • How friendships influence behaviour.
  • Why social media affects confidence and opinions.
  • How culture shapes beliefs and values.

Its findings are used in:

  • Education
  • Advertising
  • Politics
  • Healthcare
  • Business
  • Community work

👥 Social Identity Theory

One of the most influential theories in social psychology is Social Identity Theory.

It suggests that people naturally place themselves and others into different social groups.

These groups help shape our identity and influence how we see ourselves and other people.

Examples include:

  • Family
  • Religion
  • Nationality
  • Sports teams
  • Friendship groups
  • School
  • Occupation

🌱 Four Main Assumptions of Social Identity Theory

1️⃣ We Categorise People

We naturally place people into different groups to help us understand the social world.

2️⃣ We Identify With Groups

We develop a sense of belonging by becoming part of certain groups.

These groups become part of our identity.

3️⃣ We Compare Groups

We compare our own group with other groups.

These comparisons influence how we think and behave.

4️⃣ We Want Positive Self Esteem

People generally want to feel good about themselves.

Belonging to valued groups can increase confidence and self esteem.

💡 Real Life Example

A child who enjoys football may strongly identify with their favourite team.

They may feel proud when their team wins and disappointed when they lose, even though they didn't play themselves.

This is an example of social identity influencing emotions and behaviour.

⭐ Key Learning Points

✅ Social psychology studies how people influence one another.

✅ Behaviour often changes depending on the social situation.

✅ Groups influence identity, attitudes and behaviour.

✅ Social Identity Theory explains how belonging to groups shapes our sense of self.

💪 Strengths of Social Psychology

✅ Explains many everyday social behaviours.

✅ Supported by scientific research.

✅ Helps improve education, communication and relationships.

⚠️ Limitations

❌ Human behaviour is influenced by many factors, not only social situations.

❌ Individuals do not always behave according to group expectations.

🧠 Memory Helper

Think of social psychology as answering one simple question:

"How do other people influence me?"

If another person or group affects your:

  • thoughts 💭
  • feelings ❤️
  • behaviour 👣

...you're thinking about Social Psychology.

🎓 Assessment Focus

Know these facts:

✔ Social psychology studies thoughts, feelings and behaviour in social situations.

✔ It investigates group processes.

✔ Social Identity Theory explains how groups influence identity.

✔ The theory suggests people seek positive self esteem.

🚨 Common Mistakes

❌ Thinking social psychology only studies behaviour.

✅ It studies thoughts, feelings and behaviour.

❌ Thinking Social Identity Theory is only about friendships.

✅ It includes family, religion, nationality, culture, school, work and many other social groups.

✅ Quick Check

☐ What is social psychology?

☐ Name four topics studied by social psychologists.

☐ What is Social Identity Theory?

☐ What are the four assumptions of Social Identity Theory?

☐ Why is positive self esteem important in the theory?

📖 Module 2 Progress

🟩 Module Overview ✅

🟩 Developmental Psychology ✅

🟩 Stages of Human Development ✅

🟩 Freud's Psychosexual Theory ✅

🟩 Erikson's Psychosocial Theory ✅

🟩 Piaget's Cognitive Development Theory ✅

🟩 Social Psychology ✅

⬜ Experimental Psychology

⬜ Biological Psychology

⬜ Cognitive Psychology

⬜ Psychology Bible

⬜ Key Definitions

⬜ Assessment Focus

⬜ Distinction Notes

⬜ Common Mistakes

⬜ Quick Revision Summary

⬜ Self Test

🔬 EXPERIMENTAL PSYCHOLOGY

📚 What is Experimental Psychology?

Experimental psychology is the branch of psychology that uses scientific methods to investigate human thoughts, feelings and behaviour.

Rather than relying on assumptions or opinions, experimental psychologists carefully design experiments to test theories, gather evidence and reach reliable conclusions.

The aim is to discover why people behave the way they do by using observation, measurement and controlled research.

🔑 Key Points

Experimental psychology:

  • 🔬 Uses scientific methods.
  • 📊 Collects measurable evidence.
  • 🧪 Carries out carefully controlled experiments.
  • 📈 Analyses results objectively.
  • 🧠 Investigates behaviour and mental processes.

It forms the foundation of modern psychological research.

👤 Wilhelm Wundt

Experimental psychology began with Wilhelm Wundt.

In 1879, he opened the world's first psychology laboratory at the University of Leipzig, Germany.

This marked the beginning of psychology as an independent scientific discipline.

Wundt believed psychological questions should be investigated scientifically rather than through philosophical discussion alone.

👤 William James

William James also played an important role in the development of experimental psychology.

While Wundt focused on the structure of conscious experience, James became interested in how the mind functions and how behaviour helps people adapt to their environment.

Together, the work of Wundt and James helped establish psychology as a respected scientific discipline.

🔬 Scientific Method in Psychology

Experimental psychologists generally follow a structured process.

1️⃣ Observe a behaviour or ask a question.

2️⃣ Develop a hypothesis.

3️⃣ Design an experiment.

4️⃣ Collect data.

5️⃣ Analyse the results.

6️⃣ Draw conclusions based on the evidence.

7️⃣ Repeat and refine research when necessary.

💡 Real Life Example

A psychologist wants to know whether listening to music improves memory.

Instead of guessing, they would:

  • Recruit participants.
  • Divide them into groups.
  • Test memory under different conditions.
  • Compare the results.
  • Decide whether the evidence supports the hypothesis.

⭐ Key Learning Points

✅ Experimental psychology relies on scientific research.

✅ Behaviour is investigated using controlled experiments.

✅ Evidence should be objective and measurable.

✅ Wilhelm Wundt and William James were key figures in establishing psychology as a science.

💪 Strengths

✅ Produces reliable scientific evidence.

✅ Findings can often be repeated and tested.

✅ Helps develop evidence based psychological theories.

⚠️ Limitations

❌ Laboratory settings may not always reflect real life behaviour.

❌ People sometimes behave differently when they know they are being studied.

🧠 Memory Helper

Think:

Question ➜ Experiment ➜ Evidence ➜ Conclusion

If research follows this pattern, you're probably looking at Experimental Psychology.

🎓 Assessment Focus

Know these facts:

✔ Experimental psychology uses scientific methods.

✔ Wilhelm Wundt founded the first psychology laboratory in 1879.

✔ William James helped establish psychology as a scientific discipline.

✔ Experimental psychologists test theories using evidence.

🚨 Common Mistakes

❌ Thinking experimental psychology only studies behaviour.

✅ It studies thoughts, feelings and behaviour using scientific methods.

❌ Confusing experimental psychology with behaviourism.

✅ Behaviourism is one approach to psychology.

✅ Experimental psychology is a method of investigating psychological questions scientifically.

✅ Quick Check

☐ What is experimental psychology?

☐ Why is Wilhelm Wundt important?

☐ What happened in 1879?

☐ How did William James contribute to psychology?

☐ Why are experiments important in psychology?

📖 Module 2 Progress

🟩 Module Overview ✅

🟩 Developmental Psychology ✅

🟩 Stages of Human Development ✅

🟩 Freud's Psychosexual Theory ✅

🟩 Erikson's Psychosocial Theory ✅

🟩 Piaget's Cognitive Development Theory ✅

🟩 Social Psychology ✅

🟩 Experimental Psychology ✅

⬜ Biological Psychology

⬜ Cognitive Psychology

⬜ Psychology Bible

⬜ Key Definitions

⬜ Assessment Focus

⬜ Distinction Notes

⬜ Common Mistakes

⬜ Quick Revision Summary

⬜ Self Test


🧬 BIOLOGICAL PSYCHOLOGY

📚 What is Biological Psychology?

Biological psychology explores how biological processes influence human thoughts, feelings and behaviour.

It examines how the brain, nervous system, hormones and genetics work together to shape the way we think, learn, feel and behave.

Biological psychologists believe that understanding the body's biological systems helps explain many aspects of human behaviour.

🔑 Key Points

Biological psychology studies:

  • 🧠 The brain
  • ⚡ The nervous system
  • 🧬 Genetics
  • 🩸 Hormones
  • 🧪 Brain chemistry
  • 🌱 Evolution

It focuses on how these biological processes influence behaviour, emotions, learning and mental health.

🧠 The Brain

The brain is the body's control centre.

It processes information received from our senses and controls:

  • Thoughts
  • Memory
  • Learning
  • Emotions
  • Movement
  • Decision making
  • Behaviour

Damage or changes to certain areas of the brain can affect how a person thinks, feels or behaves.

⚡ The Nervous System

The nervous system carries messages throughout the body.

It allows communication between the brain, spinal cord and the rest of the body.

This system helps us:

  • React quickly to danger.
  • Move our muscles.
  • Process information.
  • Respond to our environment.

🩸 Hormones

Hormones are chemical messengers produced by glands in the body.

They help regulate many important functions, including:

  • Growth
  • Mood
  • Stress
  • Sleep
  • Reproduction

Changes in hormone levels can influence behaviour and emotional wellbeing.

🧬 Genetics

Genes are inherited from our parents.

They influence many characteristics, including:

  • Eye colour
  • Height
  • Physical development
  • Certain aspects of personality
  • Risk of developing some medical and psychological conditions

Genes do not completely determine behaviour, but they can increase the likelihood of certain traits or behaviours developing.

🌍 Evolution

Biological psychologists are also interested in evolution.

Charles Darwin's theory of natural selection suggests that behaviours which improve survival and reproduction are more likely to be passed on to future generations.

Some behaviours seen today may therefore have developed because they helped our ancestors survive.

🔬 Four Biological Explanations

Biological psychologists explain behaviour from several different perspectives.

Explanation Focus
🧠 Physiological How the brain, nervous system and body influence behaviour.
🌱 Ontogenetic How genes, development and life experiences shape behaviour over time.
🌍 Evolutionary How behaviour has developed through natural selection.
🎯 Functional The purpose or function of a behaviour and how it may have helped survival.

💡 Real Life Example

Imagine two people react differently to the same stressful situation.

A biological psychologist may investigate:

  • Their hormone levels.
  • Brain activity.
  • Genetic differences.
  • Nervous system responses.

This helps explain why individuals can respond differently to the same event.

⭐ Key Learning Points

✅ Biological psychology studies how biological processes influence behaviour.

✅ The brain, nervous system, hormones and genetics all play important roles.

✅ Evolution helps explain why certain behaviours may have developed.

✅ Behaviour is influenced by both biology and life experiences.

💪 Strengths

✅ Supported by scientific research.

✅ Uses advances in neuroscience and medicine.

✅ Improves our understanding of mental and physical health.

⚠️ Limitations

❌ Biology alone cannot explain all human behaviour.

❌ Social, environmental and psychological influences are also important.

🧠 Memory Helper

Remember BHNG

B = Brain

H = Hormones

N = Nervous System

G = Genetics

These are the four biological systems you'll see most often.

Then remember POEF for the four explanations:

P = Physiological

O = Ontogenetic

E = Evolutionary

F = Functional

🎓 Assessment Focus

Know these facts:

✔ Biological psychology studies the brain, nervous system, hormones and genetics.

✔ Charles Darwin developed the theory of natural selection.

✔ Behaviour can be influenced by biology and life experiences.

✔ The four biological explanations are:

  • Physiological
  • Ontogenetic
  • Evolutionary
  • Functional

🚨 Common Mistakes

❌ Thinking biological psychology only studies the brain.

✅ It studies the brain, nervous system, hormones, genetics and evolution.

❌ Thinking genes completely determine behaviour.

✅ Genes influence behaviour, but environment and experiences are also important.

✅ Quick Check

☐ What is biological psychology?

☐ Name the four biological systems studied.

☐ What is natural selection?

☐ Who proposed the theory of evolution?

☐ Can you remember the four biological explanations (POEF)?

📖 Module 2 Progress

🟩 Module Overview ✅

🟩 Developmental Psychology ✅

🟩 Stages of Human Development ✅

🟩 Freud's Psychosexual Theory ✅

🟩 Erikson's Psychosocial Theory ✅

🟩 Piaget's Cognitive Development Theory ✅

🟩 Social Psychology ✅

🟩 Experimental Psychology ✅

🟩 Biological Psychology ✅

⬜ Cognitive Psychology

⬜ Psychology Bible

⬜ Key Definitions

⬜ Assessment Focus

⬜ Distinction Notes

⬜ Common Mistakes

⬜ Quick Revision Summary

⬜ Self Test


Perfect! 🎉 This is the final approach covered in Module 2. After this, we'll move on to the revision sections (Psychologist Bible, Assessment Focus, Key Definitions, etc.), just like Module 1.

🧠 COGNITIVE PSYCHOLOGY

📚 What is Cognitive Psychology?

Cognitive psychology is the study of internal mental processes.

Rather than focusing only on observable behaviour, cognitive psychologists investigate how people think, learn, remember, understand information and solve problems.

This approach views the brain as an active processor of information, constantly receiving, organising, storing and using information from the world around us.

🔑 Key Points

Cognitive psychology studies:

  • 🧠 Memory
  • 👀 Attention
  • 💭 Thinking
  • 🧩 Problem solving
  • 📖 Learning
  • 🗣️ Language
  • 👁️ Perception
  • 🎯 Decision making

These mental processes work together to help us understand and respond to the world.

💡 Why is Cognitive Psychology Important?

Cognitive psychology helps explain:

  • How we learn new information.
  • Why we sometimes forget things.
  • How we solve problems.
  • How we make decisions.
  • Why different people think differently.

Its findings are widely used in:

  • Education
  • Healthcare
  • Artificial Intelligence
  • Rehabilitation
  • Memory research
  • Learning support

🧩 Schemas

One of the key ideas in cognitive psychology is the concept of schemas.

Schemas are mental frameworks that help us organise and interpret information.

They allow us to quickly make sense of new experiences by linking them to things we already know.

As we gain new experiences, our schemas continue to develop and change.

💡 Real Life Example

A young child learns what a dog looks like.

When they later see another breed of dog, they immediately recognise it as a dog because they already have a schema for dogs.

Their previous knowledge helps them understand the new experience more quickly.

🧠 Three Cognitive Models

The course introduces three important models used within cognitive psychology.

1️⃣ Schema Theory

Schema Theory explains how people organise knowledge into mental frameworks.

These frameworks help us understand, remember and respond to information more efficiently.

2️⃣ Information Processing Model

This model compares the human mind to a computer.

Information is:

📥 Received

⬇️

🧠 Processed

⬇️

💾 Stored

⬇️

📤 Retrieved when needed

This helps explain how memory and thinking work.

3️⃣ Neuroscience Model

The Neuroscience Model examines how the brain and nervous system produce our thoughts, memories and behaviours.

Modern brain imaging techniques allow psychologists to study which parts of the brain are active during different mental tasks.

⭐ Key Learning Points

✅ Cognitive psychology studies internal mental processes.

✅ Memory, attention, thinking and problem solving are central topics.

✅ Schemas help us organise and interpret information.

✅ Cognitive psychologists investigate how people process information.

💪 Strengths

✅ Supported by scientific research.

✅ Improves understanding of learning and memory.

✅ Widely applied in education and healthcare.

⚠️ Limitations

❌ Mental processes cannot always be observed directly.

❌ Human thinking is often more complex than computer models suggest.

🧠 Memory Helper

Think of the word:

MAPS

M = Memory

A = Attention

P = Problem solving

S = Schemas

If you're thinking about how the mind processes information, you're thinking about Cognitive Psychology.

🎓 Assessment Focus

Know these facts:

✔ Cognitive psychology studies internal mental processes.

✔ It focuses on memory, attention, thinking and problem solving.

✔ Schemas are mental frameworks.

✔ The three cognitive models are:

  • Schema Theory
  • Information Processing Model
  • Neuroscience Model

🚨 Common Mistakes

❌ Thinking cognitive psychology studies only memory.

✅ It studies many mental processes, including attention, perception, language, learning, thinking and problem solving.

❌ Confusing schemas with memories.

✅ Schemas are mental frameworks that help organise knowledge and interpret new experiences.

✅ Quick Check

☐ What is cognitive psychology?

☐ Name four mental processes studied by cognitive psychologists.

☐ What is a schema?

☐ What are the three cognitive models?

☐ Why are schemas useful?

📖 Module 2 Progress

🟩 Module Overview ✅

🟩 Developmental Psychology ✅

🟩 Stages of Human Development ✅

🟩 Freud's Psychosexual Theory ✅

🟩 Erikson's Psychosocial Theory ✅

🟩 Piaget's Cognitive Development Theory ✅

🟩 Social Psychology ✅

🟩 Experimental Psychology ✅

🟩 Biological Psychology ✅

🟩 Cognitive Psychology ✅

⬜ Psychology Bible

⬜ Key Definitions

⬜ Assessment Focus

⬜ Distinction Notes

⬜ Common Mistakes

⬜ Quick Revision Summary

⬜ Self Test

🎉 Developmental, Social, Experimental, Biological and Cognitive Psychology are now complete!

The next section is where everything comes together. We'll build the Module 2 Revision Hub, just like Module 1, including:

  • 👥 Psychology Bible (updated with all psychologists from Modules 1 & 2)
  • 📖 Key Definitions
  • 🎯 Assessment Focus
  • ⭐ Distinction Notes
  • 🚨 Common Assessment Traps (including the introspection wording and Piaget stage order that came up during your assessment)
  • 📝 Quick Revision Summary
  • ❓ Self Test
  • ✅ The actual Module 2 assessment questions and reflection prompt

Perfect! 🎉 This is the final section of Module 2. Just like Module 1, this brings everything together into one easy to revise hub.

👥 PSYCHOLOGY BIBLE (Modules 1 & 2)

Psychologist Approach Famous For Assessment Keywords
Wilhelm Wundt Structuralism / Experimental First psychology laboratory (1879) Introspection, Leipzig, Father of Modern Psychology
Edward Titchener Structuralism Developed Structuralism Conscious experience
William James Functionalism Purpose of behaviour Adaptation, Functionalism
John B. Watson Behaviourism Founder of Behaviourism Observable behaviour
B.F. Skinner Behaviourism Operant Conditioning Rewards and punishments
Sigmund Freud Psychoanalytic Unconscious mind Psychosexual stages
Jean Piaget Developmental / Cognitive Four stages of cognitive development Schemas, Assimilation, Accommodation
Erik Erikson Developmental Eight psychosocial stages Lifespan development
Charles Darwin Biological Evolution by natural selection Evolutionary psychology
Abraham Maslow Humanistic Hierarchy of Needs Self Actualisation
Carl Rogers Humanistic Client Centred Therapy Empathy, Personal Growth

📖 KEY DEFINITIONS

Developmental Psychology

The study of how humans grow and develop throughout their lifespan.

Social Psychology

The study of how people influence one another's thoughts, feelings and behaviour.

Experimental Psychology

The scientific study of behaviour and mental processes using controlled research.

Biological Psychology

The study of how biological processes influence behaviour.

Cognitive Psychology

The study of internal mental processes.

Nature

Inherited biological characteristics.

Nurture

Environmental influences and life experiences.

Schema

A mental framework used to organise and interpret information.

Assimilation

Adding new information to an existing schema.

Accommodation

Changing an existing schema when new information does not fit.

Social Identity Theory

Explains how belonging to groups influences identity and behaviour.

🎯 ASSESSMENT FOCUS

Be confident explaining:

⭐ Nature vs Nurture

⭐ Piaget's four stages

⭐ Erikson's eight stages

⭐ Freud's psychosexual stages

⭐ Social Identity Theory

⭐ Experimental Psychology

⭐ Biological Psychology

⭐ Cognitive Psychology

⭐ Schemas

⭐ The four biological explanations

⭐ DISTINCTION NOTES

Remember these facts before your assessment:

✅ Modern psychologists believe both nature and nurture influence development.

✅ Development occurs across the entire lifespan.

✅ Social psychologists study thoughts, feelings and behaviour.

✅ Experimental psychology uses scientific methods.

✅ Biological psychology studies the brain, nervous system, hormones and genetics.

✅ Cognitive psychology studies internal mental processes.

🚨 COMMON ASSESSMENT TRAPS

Piaget

❌ Concrete Operational = Abstract thinking.

✅ Formal Operational = Abstract thinking.

Nature vs Nurture

❌ Choosing one.

✅ Modern psychology accepts both.

Social Psychology

❌ Only behaviour.

✅ Thoughts, feelings and behaviour.

Cognitive Psychology

❌ Observable behaviour.

✅ Internal mental processes.

Biological Psychology

Remember:

POEF

P Physiological

O Ontogenetic

E Evolutionary

F Functional

Piaget's Stages

Remember:

Silly

People

Can

Fly

Sensorimotor

Preoperational

Concrete Operational

Formal Operational

⚡ QUICK REVISION SUMMARY

Developmental Psychology

✔ Lifespan development

✔ Nature and nurture

✔ Freud

✔ Erikson

✔ Piaget

Social Psychology

✔ Group behaviour

✔ Attitudes

✔ Relationships

✔ Social Identity Theory

✔ Positive self esteem

Experimental Psychology

✔ Scientific methods

✔ Evidence

✔ Wundt

✔ William James

Biological Psychology

✔ Brain

✔ Nervous system

✔ Hormones

✔ Genetics

✔ Evolution

Cognitive Psychology

✔ Memory

✔ Attention

✔ Thinking

✔ Problem solving

✔ Schemas

📝 SELF TEST

Try answering these without looking back.

Developmental Psychology

☐ What does developmental psychology study?

☐ What is the difference between nature and nurture?

☐ Who created the Psychosexual Stages?

☐ Who created the Psychosocial Stages?

☐ Who created the Cognitive Development Theory?

Social Psychology

☐ What is social psychology?

☐ Name four topics studied by social psychologists.

☐ What are the four assumptions of Social Identity Theory?

Experimental Psychology

☐ What is experimental psychology?

☐ Why was Wilhelm Wundt important?

☐ What role did William James play?

Biological Psychology

☐ Name the four biological systems studied.

☐ What are the four biological explanations?

☐ What is natural selection?

Cognitive Psychology

☐ What is cognitive psychology?

☐ Name four mental processes.

☐ What is a schema?

☐ Explain assimilation and accommodation.

✅ MODULE 2 MULTIPLE CHOICE PRACTICE

1. What does nature refer to?

2. Nurture refers to what?

3. According to modern psychologists, which is most important?

4. Initiative vs Guilt appears during which age bracket?

5. What happens during Ego Integrity vs Despair?

6. What is the focus of cognitive psychology?

7. Who developed the Psychosexual Stages?

8. Which approach is concerned with hereditary qualities?

9. Which approach is most concerned with mental behaviour?

10. Which area of psychology studies group processes?

✍️ REFLECTION

Key Learning Points

Reflect on everything you've learned throughout this module.

Think about:

  • Which approach interested you the most?
  • How has this module changed your understanding of psychology?
  • Which theory do you think best explains human behaviour, and why?
  • How might this knowledge help you in everyday life?

📚 MODULE 2 COMPLETE

🎉 You should now be able to:

✅ Explain the five major approaches to psychology.

✅ Compare Developmental, Social, Experimental, Biological and Cognitive Psychology.

✅ Describe the theories of Freud, Erikson and Piaget.

✅ Explain the Nature vs Nurture debate.

✅ Describe Social Identity Theory.

✅ Explain the role of biological processes in behaviour.

✅ Understand how cognitive psychologists explain thinking and memory.

🔜 Coming Next: Module 3

In the next module, you'll continue building on these foundations as you explore the next area of psychology, making links back to the psychologists and theories you've already learned.

💙 One suggestion before you publish Module 2

Having now completed Modules 1 and 2, I think we can make one improvement that will really elevate the whole blog.

Instead of having a separate Psychology Bible at the end of every module, create a single permanent page called:

🧠 The Psychology Bible

Every new psychologist from every module gets added to that one page.

Then, at the end of each module, simply include:

📖 Psychology Bible Update

New psychologists introduced in this module:

  • Jean Piaget
  • Erik Erikson
  • Charles Darwin

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