C1 - Debates - AO1 Key Terms

Question 1

Determinism

Answer 1

The view that an individual’s behaviour is shaped or controlled by internal or external forces rather than the individual.

Question 2

Free will

Answer 2

The view that an individual’s behaviour is controlled by themselves.

Question 3

Reductionism

Answer 3

Involves breaking down a complex phenomenon or behaviour into more simple components.

Question 4

Holism

Answer 4

The view that systems should be studied as a whole rather than focusing on their constituent parts.

Question 5

Idiographic

Answer 5

Involves the study of individuals and the unique insights each individual gives us about human behaviour.

Question 6

Nomothetic

Answer 6

Involves the study of a large number of people and then seeks to make generalisations (or theories) about their behaviour.

Question 7

Nature

Answer 7

Suggests that people are the product of their genes and biology.

Question 8

Nurture

Answer 8

Suggests that people are the product of their environment and that everything is learnt through interactions with others.