Issues and debates

• What does gender bias in research refer to?


  When researchers' stereotypical views about male and female behavior affect their theoretical assumptions.
• What is alpha bias in psychology?


  The assumption that there are significant differences in behavior between genders.
• What is beta bias in psychology?


  The assumption that there are no significant differences in the behavior of males and females.
• What does androcentrism refer to in psychology?


  Psychologists and theories that reflect and support a male-centric view of the world.
• What is cultural bias in psychology?


  Interpreting and judging human behavior based on cultural norms and experiences.
• What is ethnocentrism?


  When researchers consider their own culture or ethnic group to be superior or the norm.
• What is cultural relativism in psychology?


  The principle that human behavior should be understood within the context of the culture where it occurs.
• How can bias within psychology be reduced according to the study material?


  By using diverse samples and encouraging more female researchers.
• What is the significance of the findings by Henrik (2010) regarding cultural bias?


  They highlight that findings argued to be universal may actually be culture-biased.
• What percentage of research subjects in leading psychology journals came from the United States?


  68%.
• What is the role of indigenous psychology?


  To conduct research by individuals who are native to or deeply understand their culture.
• What is a reflex approach in psychology?


  A method where researchers reflect on their beliefs and values to recognize biases in research.
• What is hard determinism in psychology?


  The belief that behavior is set by forces outside of our control.
• What is soft determinism?


  The belief that traits and behaviors are dictated by internal and external forces, but some control exists.
• What does biological determinism refer to?


  The belief that behavior is set by genetics and biological processes.
• What is environmental determinism?


  The belief that our experiences shape our behavior based on reinforcement and culture.
• What is psychic determinism?


  The belief that innate drives shaped by childhood experiences determine behavior.
• How does the free will perspective differ from determinism?


  The free will perspective emphasizes conscious choice, while determinism denies this ability.
• What is the nature-nurture debate?


  An argument about the extent to which behaviors are influenced by biology or experiences.
• What do nativists believe regarding behavior?


  That biological heredity is more important in determining behavior.
• What do empiricists believe regarding behavior?


  That the learning environment is more important in determining behavior.
• What is interactionism in psychology?


  A perspective that suggests genes and the environment actively interact and influence each other.
• What is the diathesis-stress model?


  A model suggesting that genetic predispositions for mental health conditions are triggered by environmental stressors.
• What is biological reductionism?


  The reduction of complex human behavior to basic biological elements.
• What is environmental stimulus-response reductionism?


  A behaviorist approach that explains behavior through simple stimulus-response mechanisms.
• What is often assumed when discussing psychological theories?


  It is usually assumed that they apply to everyone.
• How does holism differ from reductionism in psychology?


  Holism considers the whole person and interactions between factors, while reductionism breaks behavior down into simpler components.
• What issue arises when examining the creators of psychological theories and their study participants?


  Many theories are influenced by the unique perspectives of white males.
• What are levels of explanation in psychology?


  Explanations vary from lower fundamental levels to higher holistic levels.
• What is the idiographic approach in psychology?


  A method that studies individuals' subjective experiences and behaviors.
• What does the term "WEIRD" refer to in psychological research?


  It refers to participants who are Western, Educated, Industrialized, Rich, and Democratic.
• What are the two particular sources of bias in psychology discussed?


  • Gender bias
  • Culture bias
• What is the nomothetic approach in psychology?


  A method that uses large samples to generate laws of behavior and make predictions.
• What is the new feature of the Psych Boost flashcard app?

  It allows users to test themselves with over 1,500 multiple choice questions.
• What are the strengths and weaknesses of the idiographic approach?


  Strengths include rich, detailed data; weaknesses include lack of generalizability.
• What are the ethical implications of research studies?


  They involve considering the consequences for participants and the groups they represent.
• Why are issues and debates in psychology important for evaluations?


  They provide context for complex ideas and are often linked to other topics in exams.
• What is socially sensitive research?


  Research that has potential consequences for participants or the groups represented.
• What does it mean for psychologists to be biased?


  It means their pre-existing views influence their theories and data interpretation.
• What is reflexivity in research?


  Researchers considering their own biases and the responsibility to conduct research ethically.