How do I critically evaluate a theory or field of psychology? (e.g. biological, behavioural, cognitive etc)

You must first make sure that you understand the main assumptions that are in line with the given theory. Then you should find studies or theorists that support them, and be able to explain how their findings relate to the assumption. You can then begin to critically evaluate these studies in terms of their validity, reliability, generalisability etc, and perhaps use other studies to compare/contrast to support your evaluation. Then you can do the same with the assumptions of the theory as a whole. Do its methodologies provide valid empirical datat? Do they provide effective treatment methods?

After critically evaluating the back and forth with the pros and cons of a study/theory, it is always important to round off with a conclusion or statement about the general view that you hold about it (without explicitly stating that it is your opinion, as it will be informed by the arguement that you have presented).

MS
Answered by Maja S. Psychology tutor

14249 Views

See similar Psychology A Level tutors

Related Psychology A Level answers

All answers ▸

Outline the main endogenous pacemaker and exogenous zeitgeber in the sleep-wake cycle regarding research, and outline one advantage and one disadvantage of this arrangement.


Describe the attachment study carried out by Lorenz


How can eyewitness testimony be improved?


What are the types of long term memory and how are they different?


We're here to help

contact us iconContact ustelephone icon+44 (0) 203 773 6020
Facebook logoInstagram logoLinkedIn logo

© MyTutorWeb Ltd 2013–2025

Terms & Conditions|Privacy Policy
Cookie Preferences