Issues and debate

• Evaluate both


  Mightn't be mutually exclusive.e.g. theories can be observed through both approaches.Research = more likely to establish cause and effect. Society = effective treatments.
• Evaluate the nomothetic approach

  More scientific.e.g. standardish instructions and statistical tests.Research = more likely to establish cause effect therefore increasing validity. Society = any treatments or laws created are more likely to be effective.Cannot be used to make predictions.e.g. need induvial support.Research = expensive but not beneficial
• Evaluate the idiographic approach?

  In-depth qualitative methods provides a complete account of the individual.e.g. complement on nomothetic approach by supporting general laws or contradict them.Research = taking this approach leads to well established theories. Individual = better understand their own behaviour and how to treat them betterLeast scientific conclusions drawn.e.g. cannot use stats test.Research = not cost effective so less funding given to research. Individual = don't receive the correct treatment as less research will be done on their conditions
• What research supports the idiographic approach?

  Twin boys locked in a cupboard from 18 months to 7 years and after they found a loving family they then fully recoveredSees the effects of this on just two individuals however it then turns into nomothetic when you use the results to help other children
• What research supports the nomothetic approach?

  Using SSRI'S to treat OCDNomothetic as they use scientific methods (labs and neurotransmitters). They have a positive impact on societyThe DSM classifies phobias as being characterised by excessive fear and anxiety which is triggered by an object or situationStudies behaviour general laws of phobias and doesn't take into account individual differences having an effect on societyLearning theory of attachmentSuggests all babies learn to attach so doesn't take into account individual factors
• What statements shows the nomothetic approach?

  - Future behaviour can be predicted

  - Associated with research methods that are considered scientific

  - Uses large sample sizes

  - Hypothesis are formulated, tested under controlled conditions and findings are generated from large numbers of people are analysed for statistical significance
• Define nomothetic approach

  An approach that attempts to study human behaviour through the development of general principles and universal laws
• What are statements that show the idiographic approach?

  - People are studied as unique entities

  - No attempt to compare the study of an individual to a larger group

  - Associated with research methods that gather qualitative data
• What is the idiographic approach?


  An approach to research that focuses on individual case as a means of understanding behaviour rather than aiming to formulate general laws of behaviour
• What are points on the evaluation of cultural bias


  Participants familiarity with aims and objectives if scientific study should not be assumed.e.g.Important as can lead to research being socially sensitive so psychologists should consult with other psychologists from different cultures.Variables under review may not be experienced in the same way for all participants.pointing is considered as rude in Thailand.Meanswe need to ensure that psychologists conducting study are the same familiar with the culture of participantsShould not be assumed that all psychology behaviour is culturally relative and there are no universal behaviour.Interactional synchrony is also a universal attachment behaviour.Important to know as treatments can then be foundKnowledge of cultural bias can led to conducting cross cultural research.e.g. helps identify if behaviour is universal or culturally relative.Postive impact on research as it reduces assumptions and avoids sterotypes
• What is another piece of research that shows cultural bias

  - Strange situation has imposed etic

  - It uses American methodology in different cultures to assess the quality of children's and parents attachment

  - This is a problem as differences between male and female attachment types
• What is one piece of research that shows cultural bias

  - Shows ethnocentrism as it suggests all people will obey due to different situational factors e.g. authority's proximity

  - This is a problem as some situational factors may have been missed as they aren't influential to individualistic cultures but are to collectivistic
• Define collectivistic cultures


  Cultures where more emphasis is placed on interdependence and the needs of a group. e.g. china and india
• Define individualistic cultures

  Associated with western countries who are thought to value personal freedom and independence
• Define cultural bound syndrome


  Groups of symptoms classified as treatable illness in certain cultures that are not recognised in the west
• Define research tradition

  The familiarity a certain culture has with taking part in psychological investigation.

  Sometimes an assumption that all cultures have a similar understanding of aims and scientific testing. May be more likely to show demand characteristics
• Define emic approach


  This approach functions from within certain cultures and identities behaviours that are specific to that culture
• Define imposed etic


  This is when a model/theory/test created in one culture is considered the norm and then used to explain behaviour in other cultures.
• Define cultural relativism

  The idea that the norms and values as well as ethics and moral standards can only be meaningfully understood within the specific social and cultural contexts within which they were discovered. Recognising these is a way of avoiding cultural bias
• Define ethnocentrism

  Judging other cultures by the standards and norms of ones own culture.

  In extreme = it is the belief in the superiority of owns culture and leads to prejudice and stereotypes forming
• Define cultural bias


  Refers to the tendency to ignore cultural differences and interpret all phenomena through the lens of one's own culture.
• Define universality

  The idea that any conclusions drawn about behaviour can be applied to all people regardless of culture
• Define bias


  Psychologists are people and therefore have values and beliefs that are influenced by the social and historical context they live in which may influence the research process
• What are strengths of gender bias


  Has led to feminist psychology.e.g. more women in senior research positions and acting as participants.Leads to greater equality
• What are weaknesses of gender bias

  Gender bias may create misleading assumptions about female behaviour.May provide scientific justification to deny women opportunity's.Demonstrates how damaging the research is in society.A lack of women appointed at senior research level means that female concerns may not be reflected in psychological research.female participants placed in inequitable relationships with a male researcher who can label them as unreasonable.Serious issues with representation of women in psychological research and effort should be put in to ensure not biased to a male view pointBeta bias has consequences for women.equal parent leave would be fair as ignores the biological strain giving birth takes.Should focus on equity not equality
• What was the fight or flight research and which gender bias does it show?

  Research on this response has predominantly took place on male animals male animals as they contain less hormone variations then women

  Beta bias

  Underestimates the difference meaning inaccurate understanding of how women's fight or flight response works
• What was Asch's research and which gender bias does it show?

  Used 123 male participants and tried to see the extent to which social pressure from people affects conformity and he found that average conformity rate was 32%

  Beta bias

  Only conducts on men so underestimates the differences meaning that results from Asch's study incorrectly generalised to women
• What was Zimbardo's research and which gender bias does it show?

  Zimbardo used only 22 male participants and found that they became deindivuated and conformed to their roles

  Beta bias

  Underestimates the difference between men and women as the findings from Zimbardo's study has been generalised to females as an explanation of conformity
• What was Freud's research and which gender bias does it show?


  He argued that because girls do not suffer the same oedipal conflict as boys, they don't identify as strongly with their mothers as boys do with their fathers so they develop weaker superegos.

  Supports alpha bias

  Exaggerates the difference between development of male and female superegos. This can lead to the idea that femininity is failed masculinity
• What research are linked to gender bias?

  - Freud

  - Zimbardo

  - Asch

  - Fight or flight response
• Define androcentrism?

  Male-centred. When normal behaviour is judges according to male standard meaning that female behaviour is considered to be abnormal or inferior
• Define beta bias?

  Psychological theories that ignore, minimise or underestimate the differences between the sexes.
• Define alpha bias?

  Psychological theories/research that overexaggerates or overestimates differences between sexes.
• Define gender bias

  A types of bias where psychological research or theories may offer a view that does not justifiably represent the experience of men or women (usually women)

  It is the differential treatment or representation of men and women based on stereotypes rather than real differences.