2.3 Free Will And Determinism

Question 1

define determinism

Answer 1

behaviour is controlled by external or internal factors acting upon the individual

Question 2

define free will

Answer 2

each individual has the power to make choices about their behaviour

Question 3

define hard determinism

Answer 3

the view that all behaviour can be predicted and there is no free will
the two are incompatible

Question 4

define soft determinism

Answer 4

a version of determinism that allows for some element of free will

Question 5

summarise determinsm

Answer 5

hard determinism - all behaviour is determined, there is no free will
soft determinism - biological factors and past experience present a range of choices; we feel more free in situations with little constraint
biological determinism - individual genes (e.g. IGF2R role in IQ, Hill et al.) or neurotransmitters (dopamine hypothesis of schizophrenia)
environmental determinism - all behaviour caused by previous experiences, as in classical and operant conditioning. stimulus-response can explain phobias, aggression and gender development
psychic determinism - adult personality is caused by a mix of innate drives (libido) and early experience (frustration or indulgence)
scientific determinism - science seeks casual relationships by manipulating an IV and observing the effect on a DV, e.g. Harlow’s attachment experience

Question 6

evaluate determinism

Answer 6

genetic determinism - twin studies do not show 100% concordance even with identical genes
environmental determinism - twin studies also show that there is some genetic contribution; therefore experience is not sole determinant
scientific determinism - even in the physical sciences relationships are regarded as probabilistic (chaos theory); determinist research in psychology oversimplifies human behaviour
does it matter? a determinist position suggests criminals might excuse their behaviour on genetic grounds or than mental disorder must be treated using drugs or conditioning

Question 7

summarise free will

Answer 7

humanistic approach - self determination is required for mental health (Rogers), otherwise can’t take control of negative behaviours
moral responsibility - adults are accountable for their behaviour regardless of innate factors or poor early environment

Question 8

evaluate free will

Answer 8

the illusion of free will - being able to make choices does not mean you are free
culturally relative - free will may be less important in collectivist cultures
research to challenge free will - Libet et al. found brain activity before a decision was made; however, Trevana and MIller found it is a readiness potential, not an intention to move