Issues/Debates: Determinism+free will

Question 1

Determinism

Answer 1

Hard determinism: all behaviour is determined (caused) and you can predict it

Soft determinism: allows for some element of free will

Question 2

Biological determinism

Answer 2

Biology determines behaviour e.g genetics and neurotransmitters - mental illness (schizophrenia) - dopamine levels etc

Question 3

Environmental determinism

Answer 3

Environment and life experiences determine behaviour - e.g phobias developed through conditioning

Question 4

Scientific determinism

Answer 4

all behaviour has a cause and science shows relationships - seeks relationships by manipulating IV to see impact on DV

Question 5

Evaluation of determinism

Answer 5

(-) twin studies don’t show 100% concordance even when identical which shows genetic factors aren’t the only influence
(-) diathesis stress suggests some factors work hand in hand
(-) deterministic research, especially scientific, over simplifies human behaviour
(-) determinism can provide alibi’s and excuses for behaviour

Question 6

Free will

Answer 6

relates to the humanistic approach and the idea that individuals choose their behaviour and are trying to achieve personal growth

individuals should have moral responsibility for their actions

Question 7

Evaluation of free will

Answer 7

(-) illusion of free will - being able to make choices does not mean you are free e.g people may not be aware that their choices are influenced by other factors

(-) cultural relativism - free will may be less important to collectivist cultures