Debates & Metholodical Issues

Question 1

PRINCEFU - Psychology as a science

Answer 1

The scientific approach advocates for the use of CCDFHIMOQR to study behaviour, whereas critics of this approach argue that human behaviour is too complex to be studied using scientific methods alone.

Question 2

PRINCEFU - RED/HOL

Answer 2

Holism suggests that the study of behaviour should consider all factors that may influence it for a broader understanding, wheras Reductionism argues behaviour should be broken down into simple components for a deeper understanding e.g. Biological or Individual factors.

Question 3

PRINCEFU - IND/SIT

Answer 3

The Individual side of the debate suggests behaviour is determined by an individual’s characteristics or traits, wheras the situational side favours the impact of external factors on behaviour (environment/circumstances).

Question 4

PRINCEFU - NAT/NUR

Answer 4

The Nature side argues genetic factors shape/cause behaviours, wheras the Nurture side suggests environmental factors & experiences shape/cause behaviours.

Question 5

PRINCEFU - Conducting Socially Sensitive Research

Answer 5

1 - If the research question would harm groups in society
2 - If participants are treated so that confidentiality & anonymity are ensured
3 - How the findings might be used by those interested/funding the research
4 - How the research may be interpreted & applied

Question 6

PRINCEFU - Ethical Issues

Answer 6

RICR
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Respect
* Informed consent
* Right to withdraw
* Confidentiality
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Integrity
* Deception
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Competence
* (insists upon itself)
___
Responsibility
* Debrief
* Protection from harm

Question 7

PRINCEFU - FW/DET

Answer 7

The Free Will side argues that people have control over their actions/behaviour, & thus have responsibility for it, wheras Determinism argues behaviour is decided by factors beyond an individual’s control, thus they have less responsibility for it.

Question 8

PRINCEFU - Usefulness

Answer 8

The argument that Psychological research is useful often suggests it:
* Advances our knowledge of human behaviour
* Has practical applications
* Policy development
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However, its usefulness can be criticised, as:
* Ethical concerns areimportant, especially in socially sensitive areas
* Metholodical limitations of research
* Misuse of findings (e.g. Yerkes)

Question 9

Validity

Question 10

External Validity

Question 11

Generalisability

Question 12

Reliability

Question 13

Applications