Exam questions revision for understanding human behaviour (unit 12)

.Q. Discuss the advantages and disadvantages of using a cognitive (cognitive
behavioural) approach with young children.

Advantages of cognitive approach:
· Structured/clear goals/measurable outcomes;
· Non-threatening;
· Basic ideas are simple to understand;
· Gives strategies for self-help themselves;
· Works well with stress/anxiety;
Disadvantages of cognitive approach:
· A “quick fix” which deals with symptoms and
not underlying causes
· Requires the client to be able to understand
and think through causes and effects, to
problem solve and have insight;
· Would not be suitable where clients cannot
express feelings.
· May not work with young children;
· Clients may not want to talk about problems

Q. Define what is meant by a dysfunctional belief.

A. • idea of distorted/faulty/untrue/irrational thinking
• based on limited evidence or no evidence

Q. Explain why it is important to carry out an initial assessment.

A.

•  Gain background information about the client/looks at current behaviour or situation.
• Identify individual needs.
• Allows health/social care professional to decide the most appropriate form of treatment.
• allows changes/improvements to be measured.

Q. Explain why 16 to 24 year olds may drink too much alcohol.

• Bereavement or loss.
• Seperation.
• Violence or bullying.
• Ethnicity/culture.
• Negative self-concept.
• Stress and inability to cope.
• Negative thinking.
• Marginalisation and social exclusion.
• Labelling and stereotyping
• Addiction.
  

Question. Evaluate the effectiveness of the person-centred approach in helping alcoholics overcome their addiction. 

Answers.

Advantages
• Approach is non-directive – counsellors are not intrusive
• Therapists meet clients as ‘equals’
• Therapists do not set themselves up as experts
• Does not require a diagnosis
• Avoids labelling
• May enjoy the opportunity to talk to someone
detached, not family or friend.
• Upholds key aspects of the Care Value Base.

Disadvantages
• Key terms are difficult to understand
• Requires high degree of motivation on part of client
• Requires good communication skills
•May expect to be given advice.

Question:  Raised blood pressure and cancer of the liver are examples of how our physical development may be affected by drinking too much alcohol.
Discuss how a person’s intellectual development may be affected by drinking too much alcohol.

Answer:

They may not be able to concentrate for
any extended period of time and therefore not reach as high
levels of analysis/discussion. This is because they sometimes have hangovers/do not feel well because of the amount of alcohol they have and the amount of time they spend on socialising instead of studying.

Question: The humanistic approach uses person-centred counselling. Evaluate the use ofperson-centred counselling for someone who is an alcoholic.

Answer:

Principles of a humanistic approach:
• works on the principle of letting a person talk;
• in a completely unthreatening environment;
 

Advantages of a humanistic approach with a person who is
an alcoholic:
• Counsellor is not intrusive – non-directive;
• Thus client is given the opportunity to talk;
• Easier to talk to someone who is not close;
• Counsellor meets client as an equal;
• Counsellor does not ‘show’ expertise;
• Counsellor is not judgemental;
• Thus client does not feel threatened;
• Promotes care value base (or descriptions given);
• Ensures clients feel they are considered;

Disadvantages of a humanistic approach with a person who is
an alcoholic:

• Requires client to be motivated;
• May not be motivated if they are depressed;
• May not believe that they have a problem
• Requires the client to be able to communicate;
• Alcoholics may be frightened about talking;
• Client may expect advice;
• They may not feel they are being helped.
• Approach’s key terms are difficult to understand;

Question: Explain the term ‘positive reinforcement’.

Answer

• Idea of reward;
  • For good behaviour;
  • Behaviour is likely to be repeated;
  • Further detail e.g. example of reward;

Question: Identify two principles of a behavioural approach.

Answer:

• Focus on observable behaviour
• Our behaviour is learned
• Behaviour that is rewarded / reinforced tends to get
repeated

Question:  Explain what is meant by an ‘assessment’ and why this needs to be carried out. 

Answer:

Assessment (what):

• Idea of measuring/checking;
• Relating to present behaviour;

Reasons (why):

• Idea of changes cannot be known without assessment;
• Need a baseline against which they can measure the change in
• behaviour;

Question:  Explain the term ‘unconscious mind’.

Answer:

• The unconscious mind is a store of all the thoughts / feelings /
  ideas;
  • during our life / past experiences;
  • They cannot easily be brought into our awareness;
  • They can have a (powerful) effect on how we behave now;

Question:    Explain what is meant by ‘time out’.     

Answer:

• Time out means removing someone from all
sources of social reinforcement
• Often used to extinguish unwanted behaviour
• Sitting a child in a corner for a short period
of time
• Idea of calming down/reflection on
inappropriate behaviour

Question: Evaluate the effectiveness of a behavioural approach using ‘time out’ as a strategy when dealing with behaviour problems in young children.

Answer:

Advantages
• Simple idea to understand
• Based on principle that reinforced behaviour
will be repeated, rest will be extinguished
• Approach is easy to put into practice
• Generally quick results
• Used to ‘shape’ behaviour
• Avoids labelling
• Behavioural approach is objective – easy to
see relevant behaviour and agree when it is
happening

Disadvantages
• Does not take account of what people think
• Is not empowering for the individual
• Deals with symptoms only, not the cause
• ‘Time out’ can be upsetting for the child
• May associate ‘time out’ place with bad
experience creating further problems, e.g.
bedroom leading to sleep problems
• Some critics see it as a form of punishment
• Some critics see it as dehumanising with
individuals merely responding to and
repeating things that give them pleasure