free will vs. determinism

Question 1

outline what is meant by free-will

Answer 1

we are able to choose our own behaviours and thoughts without constraints

Question 2

outline what is meant by determinism

Answer 2

behaviour controlled by internal or external factors outside of our control
behaviour should be predictable

Question 3

explain what is meant by hard determinism

Answer 3

suggests environmental, genetic, and unconscious causes determine people to act the way they do so they are not responsible for their actions

Question 4

explain what is meant by soft determinism

Answer 4

• acknowledges all behaviour has causes but allows for some free will

Question 5

outline what is meant by biological determinism

Answer 5

behaviour caused by biological factors we can’s control

eg. genetic, hormonal

Question 6

outline what is meant by environmental determinism

Answer 6

behaviours caused by features of the environment we can’t control
eg. reward and punishment

Question 7

outline what is meant by psychic determinism

Answer 7

behaviour is caused by unconscious conflicts out of our control

Question 8

give two examples of soft determinism in psychological research

Answer 8

• SLT - mediational processes

- Cognitive approach - we choose what we pay attention to

Question 9

explain an example of environmental determinism in psychological research

Answer 9

• operant conditioning
• rat was rewarded for specific behaviour
• determined future behaviour displayed by the rat

Question 10

explain an example of psychic determinism in psychological research

Answer 10

• psychosexual stages

- children identify with parents and as a result unconsciously take on their behaviours and traits