universality and bias

what would many argue an aim of psychology is?

many would argue that an aim of psychology is to establish ‘universality’ in human behaviour

what does universality mean?

* refers to any characteristics, traits or behaviours of human beings that can be applied to all
* drawing conclusions that can be generalised to everyone, anywhere regardless of time or culture

why are psychologists subject to bias?

* psychologists are people with beliefs and values that have been influenced by the social and historical context within which they live
* means it is almost inevitable that bias may occur in the research process which undermines these claims to universality

what is bias?

* refers to the tendency to view things in a way that is unbalanced or unfair
* in other words, exaggerating or ignoring differences that exist between people or groups of people

what are two types of bias?

gender bias

culture bias