Major Controversies in Psychology

Flashcards covering the major controversies and debates in psychology, including Nature vs. Nurture, Free Will vs. Determinism, Conscious vs. Unconscious Processing, Differences vs. Similarities, Accuracy vs. Inaccuracy, and Reductionism vs. Holism.

In psychology, what constitutes a major controversy or debate?

A major debate occurs when psychologists disagree about how to explain behaviour, typically when people hold differing opinions, evidence exists on both sides, and the issue significantly affects many individuals.

What are the six major controversial areas examined in the lecture?

1. Nature vs. Nurture
2. Free-will vs. Determinism
3. Conscious vs. Unconscious processing
4. Differences vs Similarities
5. Accuracy vs Inaccuracy
6. Reductionism vs. Holism

What is the core question of the nature versus nurture debate?

To what extent is human behaviour determined by biological inheritance versus environmental experience?

According to the nature perspective, what biological factors shape human behaviour?

Behaviour is influenced by genes, brain structure, and hormones, representing hereditary factors that influence physical appearance and personality characteristics.

How do the 'Jim Twins' illustrate biological influence (nature)?

Separated at birth and not meeting until age $39$, both were named Jim, had first wives named Linda and second wives named Betty, named their sons 'James' and dogs 'Toy', chain-smoked Salems, drove Chevys, worked as sheriff deputies, and vacationed on the same Florida beach.

What environmental variables are emphasized by the nurture perspective?

Parenting, culture, education, social interaction, trauma, and learning experiences, as well as early childhood experiences and social relationships.

What examples illustrate the nurture perspective regarding language development and aggression?

Children learn the specific language spoken in their environment rather than a genetically predetermined language, and children exposed to violent role models may imitate aggressive behaviour.

What does the modern interactionist approach conclude about nature versus nurture?

Behaviour results from an interaction between genes and the environment (for example, a person may inherit a genetic vulnerability to depression but only develop it following stressful life events).

What is the core question of the free will versus determinism debate?

Do individuals freely choose their actions, or are behaviours caused by internal or external forces?

What does the concept of free will propose, and how is it used in the legal system?

It proposes that humans make conscious decisions, behaviour is self-directed, and individuals are morally responsible. The legal system assumes free will by punishing criminals for chosen unlawful actions.

What are the three types of determinism described in psychology?

Biological determinism (behaviour driven by genes or brain chemistry), environmental determinism (behaviour shaped by reinforcement and punishment), and psychic determinism (Sigmund Freud's view that unconscious drives determine behaviour).

What is soft determinism, and what did Wegner ($2002$) suggest regarding control over behaviour?

Soft determinism suggests behaviour is influenced by factors while individuals retain some choice; Wegner ($2002$) suggested that people may have less control over their own behaviour than they believe.

How does determinism explain the disorder of kleptomania?

It explains kleptomania as an uncontrollable urge to steal caused by brain chemistry and psychological factors rather than free choice.

What is the core question of the conscious versus unconscious processing debate?

Are we aware of the causes of our behaviour, and to what extent are we conscious of our own actions and their causes?

What mental activities characterize conscious processing?

Logical thinking, deliberate decision-making, and problem-solving (such as choosing a career after evaluating options).

What did Sigmund Freud argue regarding the unconscious mind's impact on behaviour?

He argued that unconscious conflicts influence behaviour, such as an individual disliking authority figures due to an unresolved childhood conflict.

According to the iceberg model, what percentages and functions represent the conscious versus subconscious mind?

The conscious mind makes up $10\%$ (critical thinking, logical thinking, short-term memory, willpower), whereas the subconscious mind makes up $90\%$ (beliefs, creativity, developmental stages, emotions, habits, addictions, imagination, intuition, long-term memory, protective reactions, values).

What is the core question of the differences versus similarities debate?

Are humans fundamentally similar, or are individual and group differences more important?

What evidence supports the perspective that humans share fundamental similarities?

All humans experience basic emotions (such as fear, joy, anger), share similar brain structures, possess universal psychological needs (belonging, safety), and universally recognize facial expressions of emotion.

What four main types of differences are highlighted in psychological study?

Gender differences, personality differences, cultural differences, and intelligence differences.

What is the core question of the accuracy versus inaccuracy debate?

How reliable is human thinking, and to what extent are humans good information processors?

What examples illustrate inaccuracy in human cognitive processing?

Cognitive biases such as overconfidence bias, confirmation bias, and false memories.

What is reductionism, and what is an example of a reductionist explanation of depression?

Reductionism explains behaviour by breaking it down into small parts or looking at one simple cause; for example, stating that depression is caused solely by low serotonin in the brain.

What is holism, and how does a holistic approach explain depression?

Holism emphasizes that 'the whole is greater than the sum of its parts' by examining the whole person; for depression, it considers brain chemistry, thoughts, life experiences, relationships, and stress working together.

Why do major controversies exist in psychology according to the overall conclusion?

They exist because human behaviour is complex and influenced by multiple systems.