Psychopathology notes/ essay plans for
alevel psychology.
Definitions of abnormality (AO1) - answer-- Statistical infrequency
- Deviation from social norms
- Deviation from ideal mental health
- Failure to function adequately
Definitions of abnormality (AO3) - answer-- Can be good, damage self-esteem, may not
need treatment
- Culture bias, human rights abuse, not a sole exp
- V. comprehensive, real-life app, too high standard
- Patient's perspective, not diff from social norms, subjective judgement
Behavioural approach to explaining phobias (AO1) - answer-- Assumptions
- Classical + operant conditioning
- Little albert study
Behavioural approach to explaining phobias (AO3) - answer-- Supporting research
- Good explanatory power
- There may be an alternative explanation for avoidance behaviour
- Incomplete model - doesn't explain phobias that come without experience - biological
readiness
Behaviourist approach to treating phobias (AO1) - answer-- Assumptions
- Systematic desensitisation
- Flooding
Behaviourist approach to treating phobias (AO3) - answer-- High attrition rate (F)
- Ethical issues (F)
- Reduced cost (F)
- Less effective on social phobias (F)
- More acceptable and applicable (SD)
Characteristics of OCD (AO1) - answer-- Behavioural (Compulsions, Avoidance)
- Emotional (Anxiety, depression)
- Cognitive (Obsessions, self-insight)
Biological explanations for OCD (AO1) - answer-- Genetic (candidate genes, polygenic,
types)
- Neural (neurotransmitter pathways - serotonin)
alevel psychology.
Definitions of abnormality (AO1) - answer-- Statistical infrequency
- Deviation from social norms
- Deviation from ideal mental health
- Failure to function adequately
Definitions of abnormality (AO3) - answer-- Can be good, damage self-esteem, may not
need treatment
- Culture bias, human rights abuse, not a sole exp
- V. comprehensive, real-life app, too high standard
- Patient's perspective, not diff from social norms, subjective judgement
Behavioural approach to explaining phobias (AO1) - answer-- Assumptions
- Classical + operant conditioning
- Little albert study
Behavioural approach to explaining phobias (AO3) - answer-- Supporting research
- Good explanatory power
- There may be an alternative explanation for avoidance behaviour
- Incomplete model - doesn't explain phobias that come without experience - biological
readiness
Behaviourist approach to treating phobias (AO1) - answer-- Assumptions
- Systematic desensitisation
- Flooding
Behaviourist approach to treating phobias (AO3) - answer-- High attrition rate (F)
- Ethical issues (F)
- Reduced cost (F)
- Less effective on social phobias (F)
- More acceptable and applicable (SD)
Characteristics of OCD (AO1) - answer-- Behavioural (Compulsions, Avoidance)
- Emotional (Anxiety, depression)
- Cognitive (Obsessions, self-insight)
Biological explanations for OCD (AO1) - answer-- Genetic (candidate genes, polygenic,
types)
- Neural (neurotransmitter pathways - serotonin)
