Eclectic Approach

Epistemological Eclecticism

Combination of different positions in dates in psychology (i.e Nature vs. Nurture) For example, the topic of schizophrenia. The diathesis straw model uses an interactionist approach to explain why some people develop this disorder. Here we might be born with a predisposition to develop the disorder because one of our parents had it, however the symptoms may not ever appear because there hasn't been an environmental trigger. This approach is helpful when explaining why one identical twin develops schizophrenia but another doesn't.

Methodological Eclecticism

Combination of different research methods. For example - Asch's research into conformity. Laboratory investigation found out that the participants did conform. Follow up interviews with PP's asked why the confirmed. Follow-up interviews confirmed Asch's belief that normative pressure causes conformity. Without the follow up this would still remain an assumption. The follow up was essential for the fuller understanding of behaviour.

Topics

Schizophrenia Gender Forensic Psychology

Forensic Psychology

A combination of biological, psychological and social factors could veto vines to try and explain criminal behaviour aw no one approach can explain the complexity of this type of behaviour.

Strengths

Allows unique experiences to be explained, whilst a single approach can't always do this. Provides a fuller & richer understanding of human behaviour, whilst a single approach results in a narrow view. Many topic areas in psychology can be better understood by combining different approaches e.g. Mood disorders are often the result of biological, psychological and environmental factors. An eclectic approach would also make a significant difference to the treatment of disorders. Currently, there isn't a treatment that is universally appropriate.

Gender

Biological and social factors could be combined to produce a better understanding of how we develop our gender identity.

Schizophrenia

Could combine biological and social theories for a better explanation of the disorder. Treatment for the disorder could also be better if a combination of methods were used, such as CBT. Diathesis stress model.

Assumptions

Each approach provides its own explanation of behaviour, however human behaviour is so complex that it can't be fully explained by one approach. These approaches are too narrow in their explanations and it is difficult to isolate one factor that contributes to the behaviour from another. (Nature vs. Nurture) An eclectic approach involves combining aspects of different approaches to produce a new hybrid theory. The eclectic approach should eventually replace two or not approaches and provide a broader understanding of human behaviour. There are different types of eclecticism.

Theoretical Eclecticism

The combination of different theories/ideas (I.e. assumptions) from a range of approaches.

Applied Eclecticism

The use of a combination of approaches in terms of practical applications. Useful when trying to treat someone who had a mood disorder. They could receive drug therapy to relieve unpleasant symptoms, whilst also using cognitive treatments to change how they see themselves, the world, and their future. Additionally, social group therapies are available where the person meets other people in their era who experiencing the same problems.

Different types of eclecticism.

Theoretical Methodological Epistemological Applied

Weaknesses

There are irreconcilable differences. Some approaches directly contradict each other in their theories and cannot be combined. For example, the humanistic approach argues that we consciously choose behaviour, while the psychodynamic approach sees behaviour as caused by unconscious forces. It is not clear how approaches would be combined in practice. Mixing the approaches can produce a watered-down theory of human behaviour that is no better than common sense.