Types of Determinism (OCR A-Level Psychology): Revision Notes
8.2.1 Types of Determinism
Determinism
The idea that we never have control over our behaviour
Types of determinism
Biological: The idea that all behaviour is caused by biological factors inside the body
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e.g. The biological approach assumes biological determinism Environmental: The idea that all behaviour is caused by our environment
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e.g. The behaviourist approach assumes environmental determinism Psychic: The idea that all behaviour is caused by unconscious motives
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e.g. The psychodynamic approach assumes psychic determinism
Further types of determinism
Hard determinism
Everything we think and do is dictated by internal and external forces that we cannot control
Soft determinism
Acknowledges that all human actions have a cause but suggests there is some room for manoeuvre in that people have conscious mental control over the way they behave. We choose our behaviour but these decisions are based on personality traits and intentions
Biological determinism
The belief that behaviour is caused by biology (genetics, hormones, evolution) - influences that we can't control
Environmental determinism
The belief that behaviour is caused by features of the environment (such as systems of reward and punishment) that we can't control
Psychic determinism
The belief is that behaviour is caused by unconscious conflicts that we can't control
Evaluation :
(1)
P: Determinism allows psychologists to study behaviour scientifically
E: This is because it believes all behaviours have a cause and so cause and effect relationships can be established. Reliable predictions can only be made if determinism is true
E: As psychologists can make reliable predictions, this suggests that determinism is true
(2)
P: Hard determinism is often criticised for being too rigid and reductionist.
E: This perspective ignores the complexity of human behaviour by attributing it solely to internal or external forces without considering individual differences.
E: Therefore, hard determinism may oversimplify human behaviour and fail to capture human experience.
(3)
P: Soft determinism offers a more balanced view that aligns with our everyday experiences.
E: While acknowledging that behaviour is influenced by certain factors, it also considers the role of conscious decision-making.
E: Therefore, soft determinism provides a more realistic and relatable explanation of human behaviour.