Key Terms of Determinism Vs Free Will

Question 1

Free Will

Answer 1

being self-determining and free to choose our thoughts and actions. E.g. the humanistic approach believes free to achieve self-actualisation through own actions and choose who to be.

Question 2

Determinism

Answer 2

human behaviour is a product of influences beyond control of the individual so no control over actions making behaviour predictable.

Question 3

Soft Determinism

Answer 3

behaviour is determined to an extent so have an element of free will but ultimately there is a causal explanation. E.g. cognitive approach believes we choose the aspects that go into our memory, and reciprocal determinism from Bandura. (face validity)

Question 4

Hard Determinism

Answer 4

the idea that free will is not possible and every human action has a cause so behaviour is determined by something.

Question 5

Environmental Determinism

Answer 5

behaviour is determined by previous experiences and features if a person’s environment. E.g. behaviourist approach believes behaviour learnt through experiences e.g. phobias developed from bad experiences associated with phobic stimuli.

Question 6

Biological Determinism

Answer 6

behaviour is determined by internal influences that we cannot control. E.g. biological approach argues OCD is caused by CERT genes.

Question 7

Psychic Determinism

Answer 7

behaviour is caused by unconscious drives and conflicts we experienced in childhood. E.g. psychodynamic approach argues when we repress traumatic experiences they still unconsciously affect behaviour.