Psychology issues and debates

What is a bias

The differential treatment or representation of two things

What us universality

The extent to which psychological findings and theories are applicable across different cultures, populations

What is an alpha bias?

The tendency to exaggerate differences between the sexes, often leading to the belief that one gender is superior to the other

An example of beta bias?

Chodorow, suggested mothers and daughters had a special bond so girls grow up to be more empathetic

What is a beta bias?

The tendency to minimize or ignore differences between genders, often resulting in the assumption that findings for one gender are applicable to both

Example of a beta bias?

The flight and fight research

What is androcentrism?

The practice of centering male experiences and perspectives in theories and research

Example of androcemtrism?

APA publishing a list of famous psychologists and only one being female

What is ethnocentrism?

The tendency to view other cultures based on the standards of one's own culture, often leading to viewing one's own culture as superior.

Examples of ethnocentrism?

Ainsworth, she has used American norms to asses attachment in other cultures

Example of dealing with cultural bias?

Smith and bond surveyed research and found 66% to be American, 32% European and only 2% from the rest of the world. Shows unrepresentation

What is determinism?

The belief that behaviour is predetermined by internal and external factors

What is hard determinism?

The view that all behaviour is predicted and no free will e.g. Behaviourism

Soft determimism

Allows for some free will e.g. The cognitive approach

Biological determinism

The view that behaviour is caused by internal biological factors e.g. MAOA gene

Environmental determinism

The view that behaviour is caused by external forces

Psychic determinism

The belief that behaviour is cause by unconscious conflicts e.g. Psychosexual stages