issues and debates Flashcards
what is universality?
an underlying characteristic of humans that can be applied to all
gender and culture bias threatens universality of psychology research 
what is Beta bias?
research that focuses on the similarities between men and women ignores/minimises differences
what is alpha bias?
research that focuses on differences between men and women
exaggerates differences
What is Andocentrism?
normal behaviour is judged to male standard
female was judged as abnormal
what is culture bias?
tendency to interpret things through a ‘lens’ of one culture
ignores effects of cultural differences on behaviour
what is enthocentlrism?
judging other cultures by the standards and values of one’s own culture
extreme – belief and superiority which may lead to prejudice and discrimination
What is cultural relativism?
norms values ethics and moral standards can only be understood within specific social and cultural contexts
What is free will?
Humans can make choices and their behaviour and thoughts and are not determined by external forces
What is determinism?
individuals behaviour is shaped and controlled by internal and external forces (no free will?
What is hard determinism?
all behaviour is caused by internal and external forces
Free will is an illusion
What is soft determinism?
Behaviour may be predictable bought by other factors but there is room for personal choice
Restricted free well – limited possibilities
What is biological determinism?
behaviour is caused by biological influences we can’t control
E.g. genetics and hormones
What is environmental determinism?
Behaviour is caused by the environment and we can’t control it
What is psychic determinism?
Behaviour is caused by unconscious psychodynamic conflicts we can’t control
