The Psychodynamic Approach - Evaluation

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Strength (Scientific support for psychodynamic approach through use of scientific methodology)
Fisher and Greenberg (1996) concluded after examining 2500+ studies, psychoanalysis compared well w/ other psych studies. Support for unconscious motivations in behaviour + defence mechanisms
1 of 5
Strength (Suggested new methodological ways for psychologists to gather evidence based on case studies +observable evidence rather than subjective introspection)
Gave other explanations for disorders e.g. depression, credit to psych causes rather than bio -> development of treatments e.g. psychotherapy, large scale review by De Maat er al (2009) showed signif + maintained improvements post treatment
2 of 5
Weakness (Gender bias)
Views on female sexuality less developed than male. Although views based on sexual development, which would apply to both genders, theories primarily focus on make. Problematic considering influence approach today - limited validity both genders
3 of 5
Weakness (Reliability)
Ideas difficult to test reliably. Other psychologists therefore argue Freud's ideas unscientific and cannot be proven as trying to test whether a methodology has reached unconscious mind is difficult
4 of 5
Weakness (Research evidence suggests therapies based on this approach have limited effect, meaning approach is invalid)
Eysenck (1952) meta analysis 1000s psychoanalytic patients, found appeared to work for 66%. When compared to control group (no therapy), 70% suffering w/o intervention also showed improvement. Lack of validity in explaining mental illness
5 of 5

Other cards in this set

Card 2

Front

Gave other explanations for disorders e.g. depression, credit to psych causes rather than bio -> development of treatments e.g. psychotherapy, large scale review by De Maat er al (2009) showed signif + maintained improvements post treatment

Back

Strength (Suggested new methodological ways for psychologists to gather evidence based on case studies +observable evidence rather than subjective introspection)

Card 3

Front

Views on female sexuality less developed than male. Although views based on sexual development, which would apply to both genders, theories primarily focus on make. Problematic considering influence approach today - limited validity both genders

Back

Preview of the back of card 3

Card 4

Front

Ideas difficult to test reliably. Other psychologists therefore argue Freud's ideas unscientific and cannot be proven as trying to test whether a methodology has reached unconscious mind is difficult

Back

Preview of the back of card 4

Card 5

Front

Eysenck (1952) meta analysis 1000s psychoanalytic patients, found appeared to work for 66%. When compared to control group (no therapy), 70% suffering w/o intervention also showed improvement. Lack of validity in explaining mental illness

Back

Preview of the back of card 5

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