Free Will and Determinism

Question 1

Define Determinism

Answer 1

The view that human behaviour is shaped or controlled by internal or external forces and free will is an illusion. Behaviour always has a cause and is therefore predictable

Question 2

What is meant by “The Scientific Emphasis on Causal Explanations”?

Answer 2

• One of the principles of science is that all events have a cause which can be explained by general laws. Knowing these allows us to predict behaviour.
• In lab experiments, manipulate IV to see effect on DV, control EV’s so we can predict behaviour with confidence because cause+effect

Question 3

What is Hard Determinism?

Answer 3

The view that our behaviour is governed by internal and external forces and that free will is an illusion

Question 4

Explain Biological Determinism with example

Answer 4

• Behavior is innate and determined by biological influence e.g. hormones and neurochemicals
  
  • Biological approach = family studies, genetic vulnerability OCD Nestadt et al, genetic/neural expl offending

Question 5

Explain Psychic Determinism with example

Answer 5

• Behaviour controlled by innate drives and unconscious conflicts repressed from childhood
  
  • The Psychodynamic Approach = Freud 5 stages of conflict if not resolves then leads to fixation which affects behaviour through adulthoodE

Question 6

Explain Environmental Determinism with example

Answer 6

• Behaviour is determined by our experience, all behaviour results from conditioning, behaviour can be shaped through socialisation
• Skinner said free will is illusion
  
  • Behaviourist Approach = 2 process model phobias, little albert study, sutherland DAT learned criminal, psych explanations SZ

Question 7

What is Soft Determinism + examples

Answer 7

• Our behaviour is only determined to a certain extent, still an element of free will
• Means behaviour is predictable, but not inevitable
  
  • Kohlberg LomR + CD’s → Hostile attribution bias
  • Anger management has element of free will to make choice how to respond
  • Social influence - choice to conform or obey, in milgram some obeyed but others used free will

Question 8

Explain what Free Will is + example

Answer 8

• The idea that human behaviour is self-determined. Humans can control their thoughts and actions and have control over their behaviour
• Does not disregard the fact that internal and external forces contribute/influence behaviour, but we still have a choice in how we behave in response to these things
  
  • Humanistic Psychologists = e.g. Roger and Maslow - humans have free will and behaviour is not the result of any 1 cause, we are trying to achieve personal growth

Question 9

Implications of Determinism (science - H)

Answer 9

• ✅ Science (D) - ! (H)
  
  • Hard determinism fits with the features of a science as predictable (makes psychology more scientific)
  • E.g. manipulating IV to see effect on DV allows psychologists to more objective approach to causal relationship so predict behaviour
  • ❌ Individual Differences (D) - !
    
    • If we made general laws for behaviour this would undermine the uniqueness of people and how we have the ability to choose our own destiny/path

Question 10

Implications of Determinism (brain)

Answer 10

• ✅ Supporting Study (D) - (H) (Lip) - !
  
  • Libet et al = motor regions in brain become more active before the person consciously registers an awareness of their decision to move their hand
  • Supports idea behaviour is biologically determined and free will is illusion
  • (H) Just because action comes before conscious awareness, doesn’t mean there wasn’t a decision to act in first place to move hand - inferences

Question 11

Consequences of Determinism (law)

Answer 11

• ❌ Contrasts views on morality and legal system (D) - !
  
  • Can be seen as an excuse for undesirable behaviour
  • Try to claim in court crime not their fault as genetic predisposition to be violent/aggressive - Mobley Defence
  • Contradicts moral views in society that we are in control of our behaviour

Question 12

Implications of Free Will (positive)

Answer 12

• ✅ Humanism and Pos Psych (FW) - !
  
  • FW suggests we are in control of our behaviour
  • Supported by humanism and positive psychology movement - they suggest we are the master of our behaviour and can choose to change (gratitude journaling + goal setting)
  • • Application to therapy and counselling, economy jobs + back in work

Question 13

Consequences of Free Will (prove)

Answer 13

• ❌ Unfalsifiable (FW) - !
  
  • Because we cannot scientifically prove if free will exists, we can never rule out the possibility that determinism plays a role in peoples behaviour