A psychoanalyst wished to investigate the developmental origins of obsessive-compulsive behaviours. They conducted a thematic analysis of dream diaries kept by three of their long-term private patients over a six-month period. In their analysis, the psychoanalyst interpreted recurring descriptions of 'locked gates' and 'overflowing water' as symbolic representations of unresolved conflicts or fixations from the anal stage of psychosexual development.
Referring to the study described above, explain why psychodynamic researchers have often been criticised for neglecting the rules of the scientific approach.
Practise AQA A Level Psychology Psychodynamic approach (A-level only) with exam-style questions for A Level Psychology. 42 questions, matched to the AQA A Level Psychology (7182) specification and written in Paper 1, Paper 2 and Paper 3 style. Every question includes a full worked solution and mark scheme, so you can see where marks are awarded rather than just whether you got the answer right.
