Psychology 2310A/B Chapter 2: Chapter 2.docx

• School: Western University
• Department: Psychology
• Course: Psychology 2310A/B
• Professor: Rod Martin

Document Summary

Single factor explanations one factor is said to cause the disorder such as a genetic defect or a traumatic experience: usually reflects the primary focus of the researcher rather than a belief in a single cause. Interactionist explanations behaviour is the product of the interaction of a variety of factors. Identifies risk factors rather than specific causes, more complex theories. Theories are not set up to prove the worth of a theory but rather to reject or fail to reject the null hypothesis. Null hypothesis- proposes that the prediction made from the theory is false. Theories gain strength when alternative explanations are rejected; theories are not facts they are the best approximation we have at any moment, so as knowledge accumulates old theories are usually replaced. General aims of theories about mental disorders are to: Identify the factors that maintain the behaviour: explain etiology (causes or origins) of problem or behaviour, predict the course of the disorder, design effective treatments.