ISSUES AND DEBATES

Question 1

How does the study contribute to the individual vs. situational explanations debate?

Answer 1

• Individual- Some people are more prone to paranoia due to personality traits or cognitive biases.
• Situational= The study shows that paranoia can be triggered by enviromental factors such as social settings (even in VR)

IE- behaviour due to internal factors
SE- bheaviour due to external factors

Question 2

How does the study relate to real-world applications in psychology?

Answer 2

• The study supports the use of VR technology in clinical psychology to study and treat paranoia in a safe environment.
• • help develop CBT stategies for ppl with paranoid delusions.

Question 3

What are the ethical considerations in Freeman et al. (2003)?

Answer 3

Strengths- VR is a safe, controlled way to study paranoia without real-world harm.
Weaknesses- Some may have experienced distress; due to the paranoid feelings induced by the study ( psychological harm)

Question 4

How does the study relate to the free will vs. determinism debate?

Answer 4

• Determinism: Paranoia appears to be influenced by cognitive biases and previous experiences, suggesting that people do not have full control over their thoughts.

Free will: Individuals may still have some ability to challenge or change their paranoid thoughts through cognitive therapy or conscious reflection.

FW- Individuals have consious control over thoughts/behaviours
D- Bheaviour is prederminied by internal or external factors.