Studies in Issues and Debates

Question 1

what is an example of alpha bias?

Answer 1

Freud’s psychoanalytic theory argues that women develop weaker superego than men -> penis envy

Question 2

what is an example of beta bias?

Answer 2

research into effects stress being fight or flight based on male animals
Taylor et al (2000) found female respone to stress is ‘tend and befriend’

Question 3

what is an example of cultural bias?

Answer 3

Ainsworth’s study only looked at American infants - other child rearing practices in other cultures may then be seen as abnormal
->American perspective may see German parents as cold and distant

Question 4

How was Burt’s research socially sensitive?

Answer 4

research into genetic basis of intelligence
led to introduction of 11+, later discovered some data was made up, 11+ remained

Question 5

How was Raine’s research socially sensitive?

Answer 5

suggested brain scans could be used in childhood to identify aggressive natures
lead to discrimination against certain people

Question 6

How was Milgram’s research socially sensitive?

Answer 6

research effect of authority on independence
deceived & caused psychological stress
harm done outweighs value of what was learnt

Question 7

what is some evidence against socially sensitive research?

Answer 7

Scarr - 1988
argues research into differences between groups will lead to greater understanding = reduce discrimination

Question 8

what are some examples of psychic determinism?

Answer 8

Freud - unresolved Oesipus complex = aggressive behaviour
Freudian slip - expression of unconscious mind

Question 9

what is some evidence against free will

Answer 9

Soon et al (2008)
brain scans - measure brain activity up to decision made to press button w/ left or right hand

Question 10

what were Soon et al’s findings?

Answer 10

brain scans showed activity in prefrontal and parietal corticles up to 10s before ppts were consciously aware of decision

Question 11

what is some evidence for soft determinism?

Answer 11

Bandura’s social learning theory:
immitate behaviours from environment, mediational processes represent opportunity for free will

Question 12

what are some strengths for empiricism (against nativism)

Answer 12

Bandura’s bobo doll experiment
-> behaviour learnt and changed through conditioning

Question 13

what are some strengths of the nomothetic approach

Answer 13

psychological laws have predictive power - milgram
practical applications - zimbardo’s prison study