Issues and debates

• (FvD) One topic that can applied to determinism is that of aggression. Biological explanation takes a hard deterministic, biological deterministic stance. Supported by Moffit et al. TS takes hard deterministic stance
• (FvD) Another topic that can be applied to FvD is schizophrenia. Psychological therapies such as CBT has elements of FW so any success would suggested schizophrenics can change their thinking. Supported by Zimmerman et al who conducted a meta analysis on 14 studies of CBT, found significantly reduced positive symptoms. TS how it takes FW to explain schizophrenia.
• (FvD) Both sides of FvD can be argued to be socially sensitive. For example, the belief in FW would place the blame of disorders such as schizophrenia on the sufferer. However determinist side can suggested than an individual who exhibits ASB such as aggression can be absolved SS it’s out of their control. TS how debate has wider ethical implications so careful consideration is needed before findings enter public domain.
• (IvN) TA - gender - gender theories are idiographic, including the psychodynamic explanation which sees gender stemming from identification with the same parent. Supported by Snortum et al who reported 46 males exempted from military service for being homosexual has more close bonding and controlling mothers and rejected detached fathers than a comparable sample of heterosexual men. TS how an idiographic approach can be used to explain gender and sexuality in humans.
• (IvN) TA - aggression - biological explanations to aggression are nomothetic, as seek to generalise findings to wider groups (usually males). Supported by Moffitt et al, studied 442 NZ males birth - 26, testing for MAOA-L variant and histoires of abuse. Found those with MAOA-L and abuse 9x more likely to exhibit ASB including aggression. TS how nomothetic approach can be applied to explain aggression in humans.
• (IvN) could be argued rather than looking at one stance when explaining human behaviour we should consider the same issues from both perspectives. Can be seen in work of gender, gender development seems to establish patterns of behaviour. (Bem’s SRI) alongside case studies into atypical development (David Reimer). TS to fully understand world of psychology and adhere to approach of modern psychology, should be rich, detailed description from individual studies and large studies following framework of general laws.
• (Gender bias) biological therapies accused of alpha bias, exaggerates biological differences to determine gender, androgyny accused of beta bias and downplays differences snd takes gender fluid stance.
• (Culture bias) aggression - cross cultural MAOA gene, but can be affected by societal norms and social factors. Learned associations in gang culture, impressionable individuals associate with reward/praise.
• (G&C bias) socially sensitive - gender biased can create misleading assumptions about female behaviour which could lead to discrimination being validated. TIAPB it provides scientific justification to deny women opportunities within wider workplace or wider society (transgressing equality act). Women less likely to be hired due to endometriosis, provides just cause for time off. TS methodically flawed and SS.
• (NvN) TA - schizophrenia - biological explanation adopts nativist stance, as argue biological factors such as genetics, biochemistry and brain abnormalities lead to schizophrenia. Supported by Iversen, post mortems on schizophrenics finding excesss depression in limb of system. TS how NvN debate can be applied to explain schizophrenia in humans.
• (NvN) TA - aggression - social psychological explanation for aggression such as SLT and deindividuation argue environment is main determinant of aggressive behaviour. Supported by Eron et al who found positive correlation between levels of violence in TV programmes watched by 7&8 year olds and level of aggressiveness. TS how debate can be applied to explain aggression in humans.
• (NvN) real world implications - explanation that strongly support N or N can have potential negative implications for how we view human behaviour. Nativists suggest genes determine nature and characteristics. This view has led to controversy (e.g. advocating a model of society that manipulates its citizens) which can be argued socially sensitive. TS the best approach to take when explaining human is an interactionist approach , considering both sides.
• (HvR) TA - gender - biological reductionist stance as argues gender typical behaviour is rooted in biology through the chromosomal and hormonal explanation. Supported by Maney and Erhardt who reported on sample of girls whose mothers took drugs containing testosterone during pregnancy. Found girls exhibited male typical behaviour including ppt in energetic sports, showed absence of female type, dolls. TS how HvR debate can be applied to explain gender in humans.
• (HvR) TA - schizophrenia - holistic view as family dysfunction considers the effect of how the family interacts on developing schizophrenia. Supported by Kavanagh who reviewed 26 studies of EE, finding mean relapse rate for schizophrenics who returned to live with high EE families 41% compared to 21% of those who went to live with low EE. TS how the HvR debate can be applied to explain schizophrenia in humans.
• (HvR) PA by taking interactionist approach. Interactionism in the context of this debate considers how the different levels of explanation combine and interact with one another. The DSM explains mental disorders such as schizophrenia as the outcome of predisposition which is triggered by stressors. TIGB model has led to holistic approach to treatment, known as combination therapy which Guo et al researched. Reporting patients in the early stages of schizophrenia who receive a combination of antipsychotics and psychological therapies have improved insight. Both sides lead to PA and treatment
• (SS) TA - schizophrenia - the reliability and validity of diagnosis must be considered as any research on psychopathology is socially sensitive. Could affect the schizophrenic individual, their family, or greater society. If misdiagnosis, there may be issues with safety for sufferer or others. Supported by Birchwood and Jackson who reported 10% of those diagnosed with schizophrenia commit suicide. TD how research into schizophrenia could be socially sensitive.
• (SS) TA - aggression - genetic factors. Research from Cases et al who genetically engineered mice with low MAOA levels were more aggressive as adults. Shows that an individual is not seen as culpable for aggressive behaviour, leading to legal implications when making criminal convictions. TD how research has supported the need for consideration of social sensitivity.
• (SS) Cost and benefits difficult to predict - research can be scrutinised by ethics committee (BPS). However, some social consequences and long term effects are difficult to anticipate. Supported by findings from Genie and studies into the effects of privation. TS assessments of worth of research is subjective, highlighting risk of research.
• (SS) Benefits of such research - Scarr argues that studies involving underrepresented groups and issues can help promote a greater sensitivity and understanding to reduce prejudice. This leads to research benefits, e.g. EWT leads to less wrong convictions. TS there's a positive impact and it is worth conducting some research.