The importance of the unconscious mind, the importance of early childhood experiences and attachment. Theorists such as Freud, and/or Bowlby and Ainsworth. Psychosexual stages of development. Defence Mechanisms. Id, Ego and Superego.
The role of conditioning, reinforcement and social learning in shaping behaviour. Theorists such as Pavlov, Skinner and Bandura to be examined
The information processing model, is the conscious mind. Theorists such as Piaget and Kelly to be examined
The Hierarchy of Needs, self-actualisation, self-concept and subjectivity are important. Theorists such as Maslow, and Rogers to be considered
The importance of genes. The role of epigenetics. An understanding of the physical brain with its billions of neurotransmitters. The importance of the nervous and endocrine systems on behaviour. The maturation theory.
Genetic inheritance versus environmental shaping. The interactionist position includes the role of epigenetics. A Bronfenbrenner bio-ecological model may provide a useful framework