1. Homework essay title: Describe the story of “Little Hans”, giving Freud’s explanation of Hans’ phobia and its cure as well as considering other explanations of the events. What criticisms can you make of Freud’s study and what can be said in his defence? Due in Tuesday 21 st Nov.

2. “I can’t do essays!” Rubbish! Structure your work Make sure you write out the FULL title and answer EVERY aspect of it. We are not talking pick ‘n’ mix…. You have to do some background reading about this case study in your textbooks. You cannot rely on class discussion alone.

3. Essay plan Intro: Who is Little Hans and why does Freud want to study him? Explanation needed of the Oedipus Complex and the phallic stage of development. Summarise the case study. As you go along you need to give Freud’s interpretation of events and your own.

4. For example, why did Hans want his mother to powder his “widdler”? Why did he want to cuddle his mother in bed? Why did he want to marry her? Why was Hans sometimes anxious? What does the giraffe fantasy represent?

5. Why did Hans develop his “nonsense”? (phobia) Here you have to consider a behaviourist explanation. (See next to slides) Why did Hans recover from his phobia? Why did Hans say “Daddy, don’t trot away from me?” Why did Hans say “Perhaps. Yes. It’s possible” when asked “When the horse fell down, did you think of your daddy?” Don’t forget to explain the plumber dream!

6. Pavlov Association Stimulus/response Aversive conditioning

7. Skinner Positive reinforcement Negative reinforcement Punishment

8. How can we criticise the study? Can’t generalise Subjectivity (Hans father) Freud had already decided on his theory and was biased in his interpretation of events. Children are highly suggestible Hans’ father used leading questions. Demand characteristics: Hans was actually making up stories by the end. Ethical issues?

9. What can we say in Freud’s defence? He felt he had to ask leading questions He claims this was not a scientific study, but therapy. He claims there were no ill effects on Hans in adult life. The “talking cure”: a humane approach to psychological problems. His claim that problems in adult life are directly related to childhood experiences is now widely believed.