Key terms

• Objective


  Research based on observable facts, free from bias(1) findings are not affected by feelings or opinions or subjective interpretation(1)
• Subjective


  research based on feelings and interpretation(1) research can be biased(1)
• Free will


  humans free to make choices, self-determining(1) choices not influenced by internal/external factors -e.g biology, upbringing (1)
• Determinism


  behaviour shaped or controlled by internal/external factors(1) e.g biological, psychic, environmental determinism(1)
• Reductionism


  complex phenomenon with simple explanation(1) example 'all behaviour can be explained by biology alone. e.g. low levels of serotonin = depression'(1)
• Holism


  to explain behaviour, look at whole integrated experience(1) e.g biology alone cannot explain depression, environmental factors also play role(1)
• Nature


  behaviour determined by biology(1) e.g genetic inheritances, structure & function of brain, hormones, neurotransmitters(1)
• Nurture


  behaviour determined by environmental influences & way humans conditioned to behave(1) e.g being rewarded & punished for behaviour, observing & imitating role models
• Ideographic research


  focuses on study of ONE person/small groups & emphasises on uniqueness of indiv(1) cannot be generalised to whole pop, as its unique to indiv(1)
• Nomothetic research

  study of large groups, seek to develop laws/theories abt behaviour(1) sample groups representative on gen pop, research can be generalised to whole pop(1)