3 mark definitions for controversies Flashcards
Define the term ‘science’ in psychology.
This is the systematic study of the structure and behaviour of the physical and natural world through experiment and observation. The criteria used to be a science is that it must have a paradigm, it must be objective, falsifiable, controlled, reductionist and have testable hypotheses. Science generally works by creating a hypothesis, testing it and then making a conclusion from the results.
Define the term ‘scientific benefit’ in psychology.
This is a benefit in terms of knowledge and understanding gained from scientific research. This could be something we did not know before or could be an improvement to existing knowledge. We can also describe it in terms of practical gains, like treatments discovered for things like schizophrenia. An example of this in psychology would be Little Albert.
Define the term ‘ethical cost’ in psychology.
This is the cost to participants in a particular study. This could be in terms of psychological or physical harm, a breach of confidentiality or privacy, a lack of informed consent, the use of deception or the lack of the right to withdraw from the study. These can be major or relatively severe. For example, Milgram.
Define the term environmental influence in psychology.
This refers to influences outside a person which affects their behaviour. This can be things like diet, family, friends and the media which make you act in a certain way. For example,if i see my mum being aggressive then i may choose to be aggressive myself.
Define the term genetic influence in psychology.
This is when our biology determines how we behave. This could be something evolutionary, like babies suck on anything small and round to get milk. Or this could be something which is passed on from our parents like a genetic mental disorder.
Define the term gender bias in psychology.
This is the differential treatment or representation of men and women based on stereotypes rather than real differences. This can exist in the way research is carried out or theories which are biased in favour of a particular gender. This could be under or over emphasising the differences and the bias is most often against females e.g Freud.
Define the term cultural bias in psychology.
This is the act of interpreting and judging behaviour and psychological characteristics of one culture by holding them to the standards of your own. This could be because of theories being developed in one culture which are then applied to all others or could be through biased research methods which use participants which are not representative of all cultures e.g Asch.
