Free will and determinism

• What is a problem with both genetic and environmental determinism?

  Neither can be the sole determining factor in behaviour.
• What percentage of similarity in intelligence is found in identical twins?

  About 80%
• What percentage of similarity in depression is found in identical twins?

  About 40%
• What does an 80% similarity in IQ between identical twins imply?

  If one twin has a high IQ, there is only an 80% chance that the other twin will be the same.
• What conclusion can be drawn about genes and behaviour?

  Genes do not entirely determine behaviour.
• What conclusion can be drawn about the environment and behaviour?

  The environment doesn’t entirely determine behaviour.
• Why might an interactionist approach be more appropriate than a determinist approach?

  • It better represents the complexity of human behaviour.
  • It acknowledges the influence of both genetics and environment.
  • It avoids oversimplification of behaviour determinants.
• What is the interactionist approach in relation to behaviour?

  • It considers both genetic and environmental factors.
  • It suggests that both factors interact to influence behaviour.
  • It may be more appropriate than a purely determinist approach.
• What is a significant issue with the determinism argument in psychology?

  There are real-life instances that show it is redundant or unbeneficial
• If disorders like schizophrenia and depression are determined by biology, what should treatment focus on?

  Treatment should target neurotransmitters
• Why is it important to consider treatments beyond targeting neurotransmitters?

  It may block the consideration of other beneficial treatments
• What is a potential downside of adopting a determinist position in mental health treatment?

  It may allow individuals to 'excuse' their behavior and restrict treatment options
• What are the implications of a determinist position on mental health treatment?

  • May lead to 'excusing' behavior
  • Restricts options for treatment
  • Focuses solely on biological factors
• What is a problem with the free will argument?

  It may be an illusion rather than true free will.
• Who argued that choices are determined by previous reinforcement experiences?

  1. F. Skinner
• What does B.F. Skinner suggest about a person's choice to buy a car or see a film?

  These choices are influenced by past reinforcement experiences.
• How is self-determination viewed in individualist societies?

  It is considered an important concept.
• What is the cultural perspective on behavior in collectivist cultures?

  Behavior is determined by group needs.
• Why might free will be considered a product of socialization?

  Because it may not be a 'real' concept but shaped by cultural influences.
• What are the implications of the free will argument in relation to cultural perspectives?

  • Free will may be an illusion.
  • B.F. Skinner's view on choices influenced by reinforcement.
  • Individualist societies value self-determination.
  • Collectivist cultures prioritize group needs over individual choices.
  • Suggests free will could be a product of socialization.
• What is a significant criticism of the free will position?

  It has received significant criticisms from researchers.
• What did Libet et al. find regarding brain activity and conscious awareness?

  They recorded higher levels of brain activity in motor areas before conscious awareness of the decision to move.
• Why is the finding of Libet et al. significant for the free will debate?

  It suggests that the decision to move is a 'read out' of a predetermined action.
• What does the research evidence from Libet et al. support?

  It supports the deterministic side of the argument.
• Who conducted a study that reached a different conclusion than Libet et al.?

  Trevena and Miller conducted a similar study.
• What was the conclusion of Trevena and Miller's research?

  The brain activity was a 'readiness to act' rather than an intention to move.
• What does Trevena and Miller's research imply about neuroscience and free will?

  It suggests that neuroscience still supports free will.