Free Will and Determinism Flashcards
Causal Explanation
Deterministic argument that states that human behavior is set by forces outside of our control
How are causal explanations validated
-Through scientific method
-In experiments, the Independent variable is altered while other variables are kept the same, allowing researchers to measure changes in the dependent variable
How can a cause and effect relationship be claimed
If an experiment is highly controlled
Produces consistent and significant differences across experimental conditions
Hard Determinism
Personality traits and behaviour are set by forces outside of our control, with no role for free will
Free Will
Individuals consciously choose their behaviour, without deterministic constraints
Soft Determinism
Traits and behaviours are, to an extent, controlled by internal and external forces.
However, we do have some level of control (free will) over our behavior through conscious mental processes
Different types of determinism
Environmental determinism (hard)
Psychic determinism (soft)
Biological determinism (hard)
Environmental Determinism
The argument that our experiences in the world shaped our behavior
We have learned to behave in specific ways based on factors such as reinforcement
Behaviourists are considered hard environmental determinists and their theories do not include conscious thought processes, instead suggesting behaviour can be explained through a series of stimulus-response links
Social Learning Theorists
Social Learning theorists are also environmental determinists as they share similar beliefs to behaviourists
For example vicarious reinforcement (learning through experience) is one of the central ideas of the theory
However, the addition of internal mental process that mediate between stimulus and response bonds means that social learning theorists are soft determinists
Cognitive Approach
Cognitive psychology is considered a soft deterministic approach
It accepts the role of biological factors (genetics and brain) in human behaviour
However, they also believe in the role of cognitive processes, which involve choice and decision making. For example Cognitive Behavioural therapy (CBT) as there is a capacity for self directed change
Biological Determinism
The argument that behaviour is set by our genetics and biological processes
i.e levels of hormones in the body and functioning of brain structures
Psychic determinism
Perspective of psychodynamics
states that innate drives, shaped by childhood experiences, form unconscious forces that govern our behaviour
For example fixation in the psychosexual stages and conflicts amongst the ID, superego and ego
Generally thought to be soft deterministic as, through psychoanaalytic therapy, individuals can become aware of these unconscious forces and gain conscious control over their behaviour
Humanistic Approach
Free will is the perspective of humanism
Humanists reject determinism, instead suggesting that humans have agency over their behaviour
Humanistic theories focus on the human capacity for self actualization and psychological growth as expressions of free will
Free Will evaluation (positive)
Free will has face validity, people have the conscious experience of agency and feel that the decisions they make are their own
However determinists would argue that this is an illusion
biological determinism evaluation (positive)
-By assuming that cause and effect applies to human behaviour, psychologists can make predictions and influence human behaviour
-In the instance of biological determinism, some mental illness symptoms are due to neurotransmitter imbalances, researchers can then produce drug treatments that counter these imbalances
-this improves the quality of life for those affected and allows them to return to their normal lives and work, contributing to the economy
Determinism positive evaluation
EEG research showed a ‘readiness potential’ that appeared to make a decision less than a second before any conscious awareness of a decision
-this suggests that any conscious choices we experience are an illusion and other non conscious brain areas have already made the decision
