Issues and Debates

Question 1

Alpha bias [definition]:

Answer 1

A Tendency to exaggerate differences

Question 2

Beta bias [definition]:

Answer 2

A tendency to ignore or minimise differences

Question 3

Universality [definition]:

Answer 3

The aim to develop theories that apply to all people

Question 4

Cultural relativism [definition]:

Answer 4

The view that behaviour cannot be judged properly unless it is viewed in the context in which it originates

Question 5

Ethnocentrism [definition]:

Answer 5

Evaluating other groups of people using the standards and customs of one’s own culture

Question 6

Hard determinism [definition]:

Answer 6

The view that all behaviour can be predicted and that there is no free will

Question 7

Soft determinism [definition]:

Answer 7

A version of determinism that allows for some element of free will

Question 8

Free will [explanation]:

Answer 8

An individual is capable of self-determination

Question 9

Biological determinism =

Answer 9

Genetics influence behaviour

Question 10

Environmental determinism =

Answer 10

All behaviour is caused by previous experience, through classical and operant conditioning

Question 11

What is an example of an environmentally deterministic approach?

Answer 11

Behaviourism

Question 12

Psychic determinism =

Answer 12

Freud’s psychoanalytic theory suggests that adult behaviour is determined by a mix of innate drives and early experience (both internal and external forces)

Question 13

Scientific determinism =

Answer 13

All events have a cause, an independent variable is manipulated to observe the casual effect on the dependent variable

Question 14

Humanistic approach on free will [2]:

Answer 14

• Maslow and Rogers argue that self determination was a necessary part of human behaviour
• Roger (1959) claimed that as long as an individual remains controlled by other people or other things they cannot take responsibility for their behaviour so they can’t begin to change it

Question 15

Moral responsibility [3]:

Answer 15

• Individual is in charge of their own actions so they have free will
• Law states that children and those who are mentally ill do not have this responsibility
• Assumption in society that an adult’s behaviour is self-determined so humans can be held accountable for their actions

Question 16

Determinism evaluation- genetic vs environmental [4]:

Answer 16

• Neither genetic nor environmental determinism can be the sole determining factor for behaviour
• in twin studies 80% similarity in intelligence
• Means genes are not sole factor and neither is the environment
• Interactionist approach more appropriate

Question 17

Determinism evaluation- Scientific determinism [

Answer 17

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