Question 1

What is the difference between alpha bias and beta bias in gender bias?

Accepted Answer

Alpha bias exaggerates differences between men and women, often portraying male behaviour as the norm and female behaviour as deficient. For example, Freud's theory of penis envy suggests women are morally inferior. Beta bias minimises or ignores differences, assuming findings from male samples apply to women. For instance, early research on stress responses used only male participants, leading to a male-centric view. Both biases can lead to flawed conclusions and reinforce stereotypes.

Question 2

How do I evaluate free will vs determinism in an essay?

Accepted Answer

Start by defining both concepts and outlining types of determinism (biological, environmental, etc.). Then, use examples from your options: for schizophrenia, biological determinism is supported by genetic evidence, but the diathesis-stress model shows environmental triggers, suggesting interactionism. Evaluate by discussing implications—determinism may reduce personal responsibility but allows for scientific prediction, while free will supports human agency but is difficult to test. Conclude by considering a compromise, such as soft determinism.

Question 3

What is socially sensitive research and why is it important?

Accepted Answer

Socially sensitive research has potential consequences for the participants or the social group they represent. Examples include studies on race and intelligence, or the heritability of criminality. It is important because such research can be misused to justify discrimination or stigmatise groups. Psychologists must weigh the benefits of knowledge against potential harm, follow ethical guidelines, and consider how findings are communicated to the public.

Question 4

Can you give an example of cultural bias in psychology?

Accepted Answer

A classic example is Ainsworth's Strange Situation, designed to measure attachment types in Western infants. When applied to Japanese infants, many were classified as 'insecure-resistant' because they showed high distress on separation. However, this was due to cultural differences in child-rearing (Japanese infants are rarely separated from mothers), not insecurity. This ethnocentric bias led to misinterpretation of behaviour, highlighting the need for culturally sensitive research methods.

Question 5

How does reductionism apply to explaining schizophrenia?

Accepted Answer

Biological reductionism explains schizophrenia solely through genetic factors, neurotransmitter imbalances (e.g., dopamine hypothesis), or brain abnormalities. While this has led to effective drug treatments, it ignores psychological and social factors like stress or family dysfunction. A holistic approach, such as the biopsychosocial model, integrates biological, psychological, and social factors, offering a more complete understanding. In exams, you can critique reductionism by noting that it oversimplifies a complex disorder.

Question 6

What is the nature-nurture debate in the context of attachment?

Accepted Answer

Bowlby's theory of attachment emphasises nature, proposing an innate biological drive for attachment (monotropy) and a critical period. However, nurture is also crucial: the quality of caregiving (sensitive responsiveness) shapes attachment type. Research on Romanian orphans shows that severe deprivation can disrupt attachment, but recovery is possible with good care, supporting an interactionist view. Thus, both nature and nurture contribute, and their interplay is key.

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Related Topics in AQA A-Level Psychology

Addiction

Aggression

Approaches in Psychology

Attachment

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