Issues and debates in psychology: Free will and determinism
Determinism
Hard determinism: The view that all behaviour is entirely out of the individuals control (Fatalism)
every behaviour has a cause so it should always be possible to identify causes.
Soft determinism: The view that behaviour can be determined by internal/external factors, but an
individual still has some control (limited free will), does not deny the freedom we have to make
conscious decision.
Biological determinism: Behaviour is governed by internal biological factors like genes,
neurochemistry, brain structure and Function. MOA+CDM13 Gene combination makes one 13x
more likely to engage in crime.
Environmental determinism: linked to the behaviourist approach, behaviour is governed by external
forces such as experience, upbringing, school etc. For example, (Mowrers 2 P model) Phobias are
acquired through classical conditioning and maintained through operant conditioning, so to some
extent the phobia is environmentally determined.
Psychic determinism: derived from Freud's psychodynamic approach, says behaviour is governed by
unconscious instincts and drives, the cause experience rooted in childhood. E.g. a slip of the tongue
or 'Freudian slip' can be explained by underlying consciousness. For example, he suggests that
gender behaviour are acquired through the phallic stage (Oedipus/Electra complex) and child will
identify closely with the same sex parent.
Free Will
The view that we have an active role in choosing our behaviours, instead of being determined. We
are self-determining of our thoughts and actions. Does not deny biological and external influence
but emphasises our ability to reject these influences with our self control.
Example: Humanistic Approach
Emphasises that humans have complete free will and argue
against determinism. Central to Rogers' Client Centred Therapy
which states how people are free to effect changes in their lives
by choosing to see their situation differently, and that only the
individual prevents themselves from reaching potential (self-
actualisation)
The scientific emphasis on causal explanations
It is a basic principle of science that every event in the universe has a cause, and that causes
can be explained by general laws (Hard determinism).
In psychology, the lab experiment is the most ideal to science as we can demonstrate
causation.
Determinism
Hard determinism: The view that all behaviour is entirely out of the individuals control (Fatalism)
every behaviour has a cause so it should always be possible to identify causes.
Soft determinism: The view that behaviour can be determined by internal/external factors, but an
individual still has some control (limited free will), does not deny the freedom we have to make
conscious decision.
Biological determinism: Behaviour is governed by internal biological factors like genes,
neurochemistry, brain structure and Function. MOA+CDM13 Gene combination makes one 13x
more likely to engage in crime.
Environmental determinism: linked to the behaviourist approach, behaviour is governed by external
forces such as experience, upbringing, school etc. For example, (Mowrers 2 P model) Phobias are
acquired through classical conditioning and maintained through operant conditioning, so to some
extent the phobia is environmentally determined.
Psychic determinism: derived from Freud's psychodynamic approach, says behaviour is governed by
unconscious instincts and drives, the cause experience rooted in childhood. E.g. a slip of the tongue
or 'Freudian slip' can be explained by underlying consciousness. For example, he suggests that
gender behaviour are acquired through the phallic stage (Oedipus/Electra complex) and child will
identify closely with the same sex parent.
Free Will
The view that we have an active role in choosing our behaviours, instead of being determined. We
are self-determining of our thoughts and actions. Does not deny biological and external influence
but emphasises our ability to reject these influences with our self control.
Example: Humanistic Approach
Emphasises that humans have complete free will and argue
against determinism. Central to Rogers' Client Centred Therapy
which states how people are free to effect changes in their lives
by choosing to see their situation differently, and that only the
individual prevents themselves from reaching potential (self-
actualisation)
The scientific emphasis on causal explanations
It is a basic principle of science that every event in the universe has a cause, and that causes
can be explained by general laws (Hard determinism).
In psychology, the lab experiment is the most ideal to science as we can demonstrate
causation.
