PSYB30H3 Lecture : Chapter2.docx.doc
Document Summary
Paradigm: a set of basic assumptions, a general perspective, that defines how to conceptualize and study a subject, how to gather and interpret relevant data, even how to think about a particular subject. Paradigms are an intrinsic part of a science, serving the vital function of indicating the rules to be followed a paradigm injects inevitable biases into the definition and collection of data and may also affect the interpretation of facts. Biological paradigm of abnormal behaviour is a continuation of the somatogenic hypothesis. This perspective holds that mental disorders are caused by aberrant biological processes. For a time, the germ theory was the paradigm of medicine but it could not account for all diseases, ex. An extreme example of the biological paradigm"s influence is hall"s use of gynecological procedures to treat insanity in women from b. c. Removal of ovarian cysts or the entire ovaries was a treatment for melancholia, mania and delusions [ex.