issue & debates Flashcards
What is the structure we follow within issues and debates
Name
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Define the term universality (n)
(E) This is the idea that conclusions drawn from research can be applied to everybody, regardless of time period, gender or culture.
(L) For example, believing that some behaviours are the same for all genders
E.g the findings from milgrams research (conducted on males) can be applied for all genders
Define the term gender bias
When psychological research or theory offers a view that does not represent the experience and behaviour of either men or women.
Feminist psychologists argue that psychology has been built on the biased research of male psychologists and has been shaped to uphold male superiority
There are three major types of gender bias all of which limit universality
What are the three types of gender bias
Androcentrism
Alpha bias
Beta bias
Define the term androcentrism (N)
(E) Research that is based only on males, then it is used as the standard or
expected norm for both sexes.
If our understanding of what is ‘normal’ behavior comes from male only samples, then any behavior that deviates form this is seen as abnormal or inferior. This leads to female behavior being misunderstood or pathologised (taken as a sign of psychological instability).
(L) For example, research in to conformity by Asch was conducted on a sample of males and then generalised to both sexes, therefore if females conformed more than 37% of the time then they may have been seen as abnormal.
Define the term Beta bias (N)
(E) Research/theories misrepresent behaviour as they ignore or minimises the differences between males and females. Therefore important aspects of female experience are ignored, so limits any conclusions drawn.
This often occurs when female participants are not included in a sample and it is assumed the findings can apply equally to both sexes.
(L) For example, the fight-or-flight response has been described as universal (applying equally to men and women) but much of the early research was conducted on male animals.
Define the term alpha bias (N)
(E) Research/theories misrepresent behaviours as it exaggerates differences between males and females, serving to reinforce gender stereotypes and usually devalue women as women are often not seen as ‘the norm’
(L) For example, research on relationships (Buss) has shown that males seek a partner that is young and attractive whereas females seek a man with resources, reinforcing these gender stereotypes.
What are the two types of culture bias
Ethnocentrism
Cultural relativism
Define the term culture bias
When psychological studies or theories ignore cultural difference assuming that their findings can be generalised globally. However, much research has been conducted in Western universities meaning that the results are really only applicable to that culture. Some bias researchers have assumed that their culture is the norm.
Define the term ethnocentrism (N)
(E) The assumption that one ethnic group/culture is superior to another, or to all ethnic groups, and emphasizing the importance of one’s own culture. This leads to a belief that the behaviours of their ethnic group/culture is the norm and others are seen as abnormal or strange which can lead to prejudice and discrimination.
(L) For example, several researchers have conducted studies on IQ and have identified that those from African-Carribean backgrounds score an average of 15 points lower on IQ tests than Caucasians.
Define the term cultural relativism (N)
(E) This is the appreciation that behaviour’s vary between cultures and that there is no ‘right’ or ‘wrong’ behaviour. It is important to consider individuals behaviour within their culture before making a judgement.This is because, social norms are culturally relative as what is considered acceptable in one culture may be unacceptable elsewhere.
(L) For example, when defining abnormality it should be appreciated that what is seen as abnormal in one culture, may not be deemed abnormal in another.
Describe free will vs determinism (4)
The concept of free will suggests that as human beings we are free to choose our behaviours, thoughts and actions. (1)
Although there may be external (environmental) or internal (biological) forces that can impact this choice, free will believes we have the ability to reject these pressures and self-determine our own destiny. (2)
Where as determinism argues that all behaviour is controlled and caused by external and/or internal factors (1)
and individuals have no free will over their behaviour. (2)
What are the two determinisms
Hard determinism
Soft determinism
What are the 3 types of determinism
Biological determinism
Environmental determinism
Psychic determinism
Define the term hard determinism (N)
(E) All human behaviour is a result of external and/or internal causes that we cannot control as individuals. Free will does not play a role, so individuals do not have any choice in the behaviour they display.
(L) It is believed that an individual’s vulnerability to developing OCD is caused by internal factors such as inheritance of a mutated SERT gene which causes anxiety
Define soft determinism (N)
(E) All human behaviour is a result of external and/or internal causes, yet as individuals we also have the ability to make conscious decisions about what we want in life, which can also impact human behaviour.
(L) In the social learning theory we learn behaviour through observing a model and imitating them, however our thought processes must play a role as to whether or not we identify someone as a role model or not.
Define biological determinism (N)
(E) Human behaviour is controlled by biological factors such as genetics, evolution & hormones.
(L) Addiction to a substance/behaviour can be encouraged through lower levels of D2 receptors.
Define environmental determinism (N)
(E) Behaviour is controlled by external factors within individual’s surroundings such as parents, society, schools, peers, ubringing e.g. reinforcements and punishments.
(L) An infant learns to attach to their caregiver via stimulus, response association with the food provided.
Define psychic determinism (N)
(E) Human behaviour is controlled by unconscious conflict within the mind, which have been repressed from early childhood.
(L) Anxious personality could be cause by an overactive super ego (morality principle)
The scientific emphasis on casual relationships markpoint
- Deterministic research (method) - establish cause and effect
- Lab experiment - help determinism
- Manipulate Iv to have an effect in the dv
- Control over all other variables E.g extraneous variables
- Establish cause and effect, create between iv and dv -> cause and effect established -> create general laws of behaviour
Define the nature-nurture debate in psychology (2)
The nature-nurture debate discusses whether human behaviour is due to nature (gene) or nurture (environment, experiences).
This question is difficult to answer, psychologists are now more concerned with the relative contribution of each.
What psychologists agree with nature
Nativists
What psychologists agree with nurture
Empiricists
Describe nature as part of the nature-nurture
Nativists psychologists believe in the importance of heredity (nature) - the idea that human characteristics (mental & physical) are innate and passed on from one generation to the next via genes
