Learning

Welcome to your quick‑reference guide on the main psychological approaches you’ll encounter in the Cambridge AS Level (9990). Think of each approach as a different lens that psychologists use to study human behaviour – just like how a photographer might use various filters to capture the same scene in a new light. 🎬

Key Idea: Behaviour is driven by brain chemistry, genetics, and physiological processes.

🔬 Analogy: Imagine your brain as a bustling city. Neurons are the roads, neurotransmitters are the traffic lights, and hormones are the city’s power supply. When the lights malfunction, traffic (behaviour) gets disrupted.

🧪 Example: The role of serotonin in mood regulation – low serotonin levels are linked to depression.

📚 Exam Tip: When asked to explain a biological explanation, mention brain structure, neurotransmitters, genetics, and hormones and link them to the behaviour in question.

Key Idea: Mental processes (thinking, memory, problem‑solving) shape behaviour.

🧠 Analogy: Think of the mind as a computer. Information comes in (input), is processed (CPU), stored (RAM), and then output (behaviour).

🗂️ Example: The information processing model – sensory input → attention → encoding → storage → retrieval.

📚 Exam Tip: Use the information processing stages to structure your answer. Highlight how a particular cognitive bias (e.g., confirmation bias) influences decision‑making.

Key Idea: Behaviour is learned through conditioning and reinforcement.

🐶 Analogy: Picture a dog learning to sit. The trainer gives a treat (positive reinforcement) each time the dog sits. Over time, the dog sits automatically when asked.

🔁 Example: Classical conditioning – Pavlov’s dogs salivate at the sound of a bell after pairing it with food.

📚 Exam Tip: When describing a behavioural experiment, identify the stimulus, response, reinforcement, and extinction phases.

Key Idea: Culture, social norms, and group dynamics influence behaviour.

🌍 Analogy: Think of society as a giant orchestra. Each culture is a different musical style, and individuals are musicians who follow the conductor’s (social norms) cues.

🤝 Example: The social identity theory – people categorize themselves into groups to boost self‑esteem.

📚 Exam Tip: Cite specific studies (e.g., Milgram’s obedience experiment) and explain how cultural context shaped the results.

Key Idea: Emphasis on personal growth, free will, and self‑actualisation.

🌱 Analogy: Imagine a seed that can grow into a tree only if it receives the right conditions (support, freedom). Humanistic psychologists believe people have an innate drive to realise their potential.

💡 Example: Maslow’s hierarchy of needs – from physiological needs up to self‑actualisation.

📚 Exam Tip: When discussing humanistic theories, highlight self‑concept, unconditional positive regard, and the importance of subjective experience.

1. Use the PEEL structure (Point, Evidence, Explanation, Link) for essay answers.
2. Remember the four main approaches and be able to give a clear example for each.
3. Practice case studies – identify the approach, describe the experiment, and explain the implications.
4. Keep a glossary of key terms (e.g., reinforcement, cognitive bias, self‑actualisation).
5. Use diagrams where possible – a quick sketch of the information processing model can save time.