Debates

Question 1

define freewill

Answer 1

we have control and are able to choose how we behave in a given situation

Question 2

define determinism

Answer 2

suggests that behaviour is caused by factors outside of our control (e.g. biological, environmental, social factors)

Question 3

strengths of freewill

Answer 3

• not socially sensitive as ppl feel they have control over their behaviour (Milgram)
• useful as people can be held to account for the behaviours they carried out (Rosenhan)

Question 4

weaknesses of freewill

Answer 4

• difficult to prove an action is a result of freewill (Milgram - reasons why the 35% walked away down to determining factors stronger than situation)
• unscientific just using freewill as a way to explain behaviour that can’t be explain in another way
• socially sensitive as ppl may be uncomfortable being told they are responsible for how they act

Question 5

strengths of determinism

Answer 5

• scientific, controlled experiments establish cause and effect (Loftus and Palmer)
• positive uses because we can ensure positive behaviour occurs again if we know what factors influence it (Chaney)

Question 6

weaknesses of determinism

Answer 6

• can be socially sensitive (Levine - findings could be insulting to Brazlians if reason they help is culture and not kindness)
• reductionist as they tend to focus on single factors (Loftus and Palmer verbs)

Question 7

define reductionism

Answer 7

behaviour can be explained as arising from a single factor or investigating the influence of one factor at a time to determine how it affects behaviour

Question 8

strengths of reductionism

Answer 8

• more scientific as it tests impact of a single factor at a time (Loftus and Palmer)
• studies more replicable as procedures are highly controlled

Question 9

weaknesses of reductionism

Answer 9

• ignores other important influences on behaviour (Bandura - ignores boys higher levels of testosterone)
• lack ecological validity due to highly controlled experiments (Loftus and Palmer)

Question 10

define holism

Answer 10

suggesting that behaviour is complex and the result of a range of different factors interacting with each other

Question 11

strengths of holsim

Answer 11

• doesn’t limit explanations to a single area and considers different explanations (Piliavin)
• gives a more complete explanation of complex behaviours

Question 12

weaknesses of holism

Answer 12

• can be difficult to see which factor is having the most effect (Simons and Chabris)
• can only be verified by testing each factor one-by-one to confirm they all play a part in explaining behaviour in question

Question 13

define ethical considerations

Answer 13

the degree to which research should follow the ethical guidelines or if it’s ever right to break these guidelines in order to collect worthwhile, valid data in research

Question 14

strengths of ethical considerations

Answer 14

• researchers are likely to get other participants for research in the furture if they can see that particpants are treated well (Kohlberg)
• it enhances the repuation of psychology as a academic discipline

Question 15

weaknesses of ethical considerations

Answer 15

• sampling bias can be a problem if participants are able to withdraw - left with a sample unrepresentative (Kohlberg)
• can reduce validity of research if participants know the aim of a study (Milgram had to deceive ppts)

Question 16

define socially sensitive research

Answer 16

research is socially sensitive if it could have negative consequences either for those studied or for those that they represent

Question 17

strengths of socially sensitive research

Answer 17

• can answer important questions that improve our understanding of human behaviour (Milgram)
• can lead to practical applications that can improve the quality of people’s lives (Bandura)
• can lead to treatments for people with mental disorders

Question 18

weaknesses of socially sensitive research

Answer 18

• could lead to ppl beyond study being veiwed negatively (Gould/Yerkes)
• could be used for negative purposes - manipulative employer (Loftus and Palmer)