compare and contrast behaviorism and psychodynamic approaches in psychology?

Question

i am writing my first essay in psychology evening classes

Answer 1

Here is the main difference and main similarity between these two schools of thought:

Difference:

Behavorism only cares about behavior of the subject and doesn't care about mental processes (the mind is considered an impenetrable black box). The psychodynamic approach looks at things happening in the mind only (usually unconscious elements therein).

Similarity:

Both believe that current behavior is determined by past experiences. Here, the psychodynamic approach believes that what happened to you in the past has been "locked away" somewhere in the abyss of your mind, but influential nonetheless. Behaviorism believes that you act the way you do from past experiences through conditional learning.


This is a good starting point. There are many other similarities and differences between these two schools of thought. A good place to look would be in a book on the history of systems in psychology.

Answer 2

Basically the psychodynamic approach is the opposite of behaviorism.

Behaviorism = a psychological approach which states that behavior can be explained scientifically, and that you don't have to explain it through an internal, mental approach. The behaviorists suggest that psychology is a science of behavior, not a science of mind. The sources of an individual's behavior is external, in the environment, not internal.

Psychodynamic approach = studies the relationship between the mind, personality and psychism of the individual, and they consider that a person's behavior is driven by emotions, mental aspects and subconscious forces.

Answer 3

Behaviorism: No inner processes, no unconscious, only responses to environmental stimulus: Punishment or reward. Check out classical conditioning, for one
Psychodynamic: Freud, and now, psychodynamic theorists. These relate behaviors to inner "psychic dynamics." Internal processes, such as the unconscious is important.
I hope this helps a little.

Answer 4

The two theories are based on different experiments and studies. Behaviourists use field studies and artificial environments, like laboratories for instance and tend to use animals to compare their behaviours to humans. Freud based his psycho dynamic theories on live subjects, such as women from middle class backgrounds and a little boy called Hans. Behaviourists suggest that 'behaviour' is learnt and that Freud believes that adult behaviour is determined by early childhood experiences.

Answer 5

Behaviourist approach I guess you mean... They're very different. Look at the question in terms of their theories on various things (whatever you've studied) the ways they conduct research, their positions in the nature-nurture, mind-body, free will-determinism debates etc. It's a VERY easy question.

Answer 6

I'm not here to do your homework you lazy student,stop taking drugs and clubbing and do some work!!

Answer 7

compare what to what...sorry i have no idea what you are talking about