free will and determinism

What is free will

The idea that humans are self-determining and can choose their thoughts and behaviours.

Which approach supports free will

Humanistic

What is determinism

The idea that behaviour is caused by internal or external forces, so free will has little/no role

What is hard determinism

The view that all behaviour is completely caused by factors outside our control.

What is soft determinism

Behaviour is determined, but people can still make conscious choices within constraints.

What is biological determinism

Behaviour is explained through biological factors such as genes, hormones and the nervous system.

What is environmental determinism

Behaviour is shaped by learning and conditioning from the environment - associated with behaviourism.

What is psychic determinism

Freuds view that behaviour is determined by unconscious drives and childhood experiences.

Why does psychology often favour determinism?

Science aims to identify cause-and-effect relationships, allowing behaviour to be predicted and controlled.

What is a strength of determinism

It is consistent with the aims of science and can help us predict, understand and manage behaviour.

Weakness of determinism

If behaviour is completely determined, it raises ethical issues about responsibility and punishment, particularly in crime.

Strength of free will

It matches peoples everyday experience that they are in control of their decisions.

What evidence supports free will?

Roberts et al. (2000): adolescents with a strong belief in fatalism had a greater risk of depression.

What evidence challenges free will

Libet (1985) found brain activity increased before participants were consciously aware of deciding to move their arm.

Weakness of free will

It is difficult to scientifically test because thoughts and choices are subjective.