Active learning ideas
Psychology's journey from philosophy to a rigorous science is a fascinating evolution. This topic begins with Wilhelm Wundt and the first psychology lab in Leipzig, where he used introspection to study the mind. Students then move through the major 'approaches' that have dominated the field: the learning (behaviourist and social learning), cognitive, and biological approaches. This provides the 'big picture' of how different psychologists view human nature.
Activity 01
Students attempt Wundt's introspection by focusing on a simple object (like a ticking metronome) and reporting their conscious thoughts and sensations in a systematic way. Discuss the limitations of this as a scientific method.
How did Wundt contribute to the development of psychology as a science?
Activity 02
Set up stations for Behaviourism, SLT, Cognitive, and Biological. At each station, students must apply that approach's 'logic' to explain a specific behaviour, like a fear of dogs or aggressive acting out.
What are the key assumptions of the behaviourist approach?
Activity 03
Students debate the criteria for a 'science' (objectivity, replicability, etc.) and evaluate how well each approach meets these standards. They then share their conclusions with the class.
How does the biological approach explain human behaviour?
A few notes on teaching this unit
Watch Out for These Misconceptions
The cognitive approach is the same as the biological approach.
Explain that while both look at internal processes, the cognitive approach uses the 'computer analogy' (software/thinking), while the biological approach looks at physical structures (hardware/brain/genes). Using a 'computer' metaphor helps students distinguish between the two.
Behaviourists believe we have no free will.
Clarify that behaviourists are 'environmental determinists' who believe our actions are shaped by our history of reinforcement. Discussing the concept of 'determinism' versus 'free will' across the approaches helps students understand this core debate.
Methods used in this brief
Definitions of Abnormality
Evaluating the different ways psychologists define abnormal behaviour, including statistical infrequency, deviation from social norms, failure to function adequately, and deviation from ideal mental health.
8 methodologies
Explaining and Treating Disorders
Applying psychological approaches to specific disorders: the behavioural approach to phobias, the cognitive approach to depression, and the biological approach to OCD.
8 methodologies