Issues and debates

Question 1

Determinism def?

Answer 1

is the view that an individual’s behaviour is shaped or controlled by internal or external forces rather than the individual’s own will
This means that behaviour is predictable and lawful

Question 2

Free will?

Answer 2

is the alternative where an individual is capable of self-determination
Individuals have an active role in controlling their behaviour
They are free to choose and do not act in response to internal biological pressure

Question 3

The behaviourist and biological approach?

Answer 3

do not believe in free will and believe in determinism where are controlled by internal or external forces

Question 4

Reductionism vs holism?

Answer 4

Reductionism simplifies complex phenomena into basic components, making them easier to understand and facilitating experimental research. In contrast, holism emphasizes studying systems, like humans, as a whole, arguing that understanding individual parts alone cannot predict overall behavior. The cognitive approach exemplifies holism by examining complex behaviors rather than their constituent parts.

Question 5

Nature vs nurture?

Answer 5

The biological approach views behavior as a product of genetics, while the behaviorist approach emphasizes the role of external environmental factors. Traditionally seen as independent, contemporary perspectives suggest that nature and nurture are intrinsically intertwined and interact with each other.

Question 6

Idiographic ( individual vs nomoethic ) a large number of people

Answer 6

The idiographic approach focuses on in-depth studies of individuals, providing unique qualitative insights but limiting generalizability. In contrast, the nomothetic approach studies large groups to make generalizations using quantitative data, offering greater reliability but less validity.

Question 7

the 5 main approaches in psychology

Answer 7

Biological
behaviourist
psychodynamic
cognitive
positive

Question 8

Biological approach?

Answer 8

believes behaviour can be explained in terms of inherited characteristics, known as genes
It takes into account physiological factors such as hormones and their effect on the brain

Question 9

The behaviourist aproach?

Answer 9

believes that the way a person behaves is due to external factors or life experience. A person may be rewarded or punished for a certain behaviour, and this determines their future behaviour. People may imitate the behaviour of others ( bobo doll)

Question 10

Psychodynamic approach?

Answer 10

believes that our behaviour is influenced by emotions beyond our conscious control. Our emotions are buried in the unconscious mind as a result of early childhood experiences, which may have been traumatic

Question 11

Cognitive approach?

Answer 11

believes that behaviour is explained in terms of how people think. The cognitive approach relies on internal mental processing and logic

Question 12

Positive approach?

Answer 12

believes that positive qualities and thoughts can influence our lives. This approach is grounded in the idea that people who want to lead their best lives can if they believe they can