Issues And Debates

Question 1

Nature vs Nurture

Answer 1

Nature - behaviour is seen to be a product of innate (biological or genetic) factors.

Nurture - behaviour is a product of environmental influences.

Question 2

Free Will vs Determinism

Answer 2

Free Will - the ability to act at ones own discretion i.e. to choose how to behave without being influenced by external forces

Determinism - behaviour is determined by external or internal factors acting upon the individual. Includes pre-determined behaviour.

Question 3

Gender Bias

Culture Bias

Cultural Relativism

Answer 3

GB:
Theory/view which doesn’t represent men or women

CB:
Judging people in terms of your own cultural assumptions

CR:
Behaviour can be understood if cultural context is taken into consideration

Question 4

Issues

Answer 4

1. Privacy
   Some research processes may take more information than they give e.g. AIDS research
2. Confidentially
   Participants may be less willing if confidentiality is breached
3. Valid methodology
   Scientists may be aware but media may not
4. Deception
5. Informed consent
6. Equitable Treatment
   Treated in a good manner and resources needed are not withheld from a participant
7. Scientific freedom
   Has a duty to engage in research but an obligation not to harm participants or institutions
8. Ownership of data
9. Values
   Sensitive issues may arise if there is a clash of values
10. Risk/benefit Ratio
    Risks + costs should be minimised - problems may arise in risks