Issue And Debates Flashcards
What is gender bias in psychological research?
When men/women are treated differently in psychological research, often assuming a male POV (androcentrism).
What are the two types of gender bias?
- Alpha bias: Exaggerates differences (e.g., Freud’s theory)
- Beta bias: Minimizes differences (e.g., fight-or-flight)
What is the effect of gender bias on research findings?
It obscures the general aim to generalize findings.
What is a key argument against essentialist theories?
They assume a fixed nature, leading to misleading assumptions and reinforcement of stereotypes.
What is cultural bias in psychological research?
Assumptions made about cultures that can distort understanding and findings.
What are the two types of cultural bias?
- Alpha bias: Assumes cultures are largely different
- Beta bias: Minimizes differences (e.g., Asch study)
Define ethnocentrism.
Viewing the world from one’s own cultural perspective and believing it to be the truth.
Define cultural relativism.
Behavior should be understood within its cultural context.
What is the significance of recognizing bias in research?
It is key to improving the validity of psychological findings.
What is determinism in psychology?
The belief that behavior is shaped or controlled by external/internal forces.
What are the two types of determinism?
- Environmental determinism
- Biological determinism
What is free will in psychology?
The belief that people control their behavior through choices.
What did Libet & Soon find about brain activity?
Brain activity occurs before conscious awareness, suggesting an illusion of choice.
What is the nature vs. nurture debate?
The discussion about whether behavior is innate (nature) or a product of environmental influence (nurture).
What is the genotype-environment interaction?
The concept that genetic predispositions can influence how individuals respond to their environment.
Define reductionism in psychology.
Breaking behavior down into simpler components.
What are the types of reductionism?
- Biological reductionism
- Environmental reductionism
- Psychological reductionism
What is holism in psychology?
The view that behavior is complex and results from interacting factors.
What is the idiographic approach?
Studies individuals and produces qualitative data.
What is the nomothetic approach?
Seeks general laws of behavior and uses quantitative data.
What are the ethical implications of socially sensitive research (SSR)?
SSR can have consequences for participants/groups and must be carefully considered.
What is a potential negative outcome of SSR?
It can be used for discrimination, such as eugenic laws.
What is a positive aspect of SSR?
Some SSR can be beneficial, such as improving the justice system for child eyewitness testimony.
