Evaluation Of Approaches Flashcards
What is determinism?
The view that human behaviour is determined by forces beyond our control. These can be internal - genes, hormones, neurotransmitters, thought processes, unconscious drives or external peers/social class/culture.
What is free will?
The view that human behaviour is within our conscious control. Humans can choose our behaviour and aren’t constrained by internal/external forces.
What are the strengths of determinism?
+Easier to predict behaviour.
+Can create general laws of behaviour.
What are the weaknesses of determinism?
-Can remove accountability if behaviour is determined and we have no choice, are we responsible for our actions?
-We are victims of our biology - powerless.
What are the strengths of free will?
+Empowering - humans have control over their choices.
+Accountability for behaviour - no excuses.
What are the weaknesses of free will?
-Hard to predict behaviour.
-Cannot create general laws.
What is reductionism?
The view that behaviour is complex, and it’s better to study by breaking it down into smaller components.
What is holism?
The view that human behaviour is too complex to be broken down and the best way to understand it is to look at human behaviour as a whole.
What are the strengths of reductionism?
+Allows behaviour to be studied scientifically - identify variables that can be tested.
+Allows component of behaviour to be studied in detail - as it has been simplified, can be easier to develop treatments/therapies.
What are the weaknesses of reductionism?
-Oversimplifies human behaviour - may miss other important factors.
-Can lead to incomplete understanding of a concept.
What are the strengths of holism?
+Gain a more complete understanding of human behaviour.
+Integrates all areas of being human - doesn’t miss anything.
What is nature?
Humans are a product of their biology; genes hormones etc.
What is nurture?
Humans are a product of their environment; upbringing, culture, socialisation.
What are the strengths of nature?
+Easier to study objectively.
+Can identify cause and effect more easily.
What are the weaknesses of nature?
-Incomplete to consider only nature.
What are the strengths of nurture?
+Considers wide range of influences on human behaviour.
What are the weaknesses of nurture?
-Incomplete to consider only nurture.
