Differences between Psychodynamic and Behaviourist Approaches
Assumptions - The Psychodynamic Approach assumes that it is our unconscious mind, that we have no direct control of, that produces our behaviour. The Behaviourist Approach assumes that it is our past learning history that determines our behaviour, as Behaviourism assumes that all our behaviour is learned.
Methodology - The Psychodynamic Approach tends to use Case Studies to investigate the cause of our behaviour. The Behaviourist Approach tends to use Experiments, but has the tendency to gather data using Observation, this is because of the importance Behaviourism places on observable behaviour.
Scientific Approach - The Psychodynamic Approach takes a very idiographic approach. That means that a lot of the information has been interpreted by one individual and has not been objectively measured. The Behaviourist Approach, on the other hand, tends to use an objective, scientific approach, where behaviour is directly observed by an independent observer..
Reductionism - When something as complex as human behaviour is explained by the Psychodynamic and Behaviourist Approaches, they each simplify human behaviour in terms of their own approach. The Psychodynamic Approach explains human behaviour in terms of unconscious motivation, and the Behaviourist Approach explains it in terms of the importance of learned behaviour.
Determinism - When looking at the factors that are thought to control human behaviour, the Psychodynamic Approach tends to suggest factors involving our unconscious mind, whereas the Behaviourist Approach suggests factors arising from our learning history.
Therapy - The Psychodynamic Approach uses Dreams Analysis, which taps in to our unconscious mind, as a basis for therapy. The Behaviourist Approach uses Aversion Therapy, which is only interested in 'training' the person to change