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Psychology A Level

Former MemberFormer Member Posts: 1,876,323 The Mix Honorary Guru
edited March 27 in Work & Study
Can anyone tell me the difference between a theory and a model in psychology. I tried looking on the net and I cant find it anywhere.

Thanx and good luck to everyone sitting exams. :thumb:
Post edited by JustV on

Comments

  • Former MemberFormer Member Posts: 1,876,323 The Mix Honorary Guru
    Quite simply - not a lot.

    A theory is just speculation about why a certain behaviour occurs.

    A model is more structured e.g. stages that the behaviour goes though.
  • Former MemberFormer Member Posts: 1,876,323 The Mix Honorary Guru
    Theory - Freud's child development theory, Oedipus Complex etc.

    Model - 3 stage model of memory Atkinson. Sensory input, store, etc.

    Been a while since I've done it and theyre the only 2 examples I remember for certain.
  • Former MemberFormer Member Posts: 1,876,323 The Mix Honorary Guru
    If we're going with examples...

    A theory
    Sociobiological theory of altruism: It is inherited to ensure survival of the gene pool (kin selection) and possibly due to reciprocal determinism.

    A model
    Latané & Darley's decision model of bystander altruism:
    1. Notice the event
    2. Decide it’s an emergency
    3. Assume responsibility
    4. Decide how to help
    5. Provide help
  • Former MemberFormer Member Posts: 1,876,323 The Mix Honorary Guru
    a model is like the parts that make up the theory. and a theory is like the explanation as a whole - a general statement putting the model into a context.
  • Former MemberFormer Member Posts: 1,876,323 The Mix Honorary Guru
    thanks a lot for all of your help. :)
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