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issues and debates - Coggle Diagram
issues and debates
Is psychology a science
Watson and Rayner
Arguments for are that they used a controlled experimental methods that can be falsified, and the hypothesis was able to be tested to produce empirical data. It is also based on hard science. Arguments against are that a very small sample size is used so cannot be described as a true experiment. The learning paradigm was replaced with biology therefore lowers the validity of the experiment.
Sherif
Arguments for are that it used some controls, observations could have been triangulated with other methods to check for validity. Also observations had high reliability and replicability. Arguments against are the lack of controls and observations are deemed as scientific as other methods. Prejudice could be considered an emotion, therefore studying it could lack objectivity.
Baddley
Arguments for Baddley's research are that it uses controlled experimental methods that can be falsified and the hypothesis can be tested to produce empirical data. Arguments against are that there is low external validity as word lists do not generalise to everyday life. He also controlled the interaction between the LTM and the STM therefore results may not represent reality.
Rosenhan
Arguments for are just like Sherif, some controls are used and observations are triangulated with other methods to check for validity. However observations aren't that scientific and there are a lack of controls as well as the finding being based on Rosenhan's opinion.
Raine
Arguments for psychology being a science is that it is a hard science since it uses scientific methods such as PET scans, control groups and the hypothesis was able to be tested to produce empirical data. However Koch would argue against Raine's research and say that it is simply describing the issue meaning a casual relationship can't be established.
Gender and culture
Watson and Rayner
Only used one male so beta bias, there was no attempt to repeat this with a girl or woman. Westernised sample as there was no attempt to explain behaviour from other cultures. However, they would say culture is not a factor that affects learning as they break behaviour down into a simple stimulus response.
Sherif
Only used males. Beta bias, as it was applied to all human behaviour. Universality was attempted when explaining the study as men and women may experience or act differently in the same condition. Could be seen as ethnocentric which limits validity.
Baddley
Only males were used in the sample. 75 servicemen were used, therefore only investigated, beta bias could have occured. However, in a second study of all women he found similar results. It was asl only conducted in the context of western culture, if the experiment was repeated, Baddley would have to adjust to ensure it wasnt ethnocentric.
Rosenhan
Some cultures say certain symptoms for mental illness are positive however the sample was largely westernised. A varied sample was used so wasn't gender biased however did not recognise that men and women may experience different things whilst in the hospital.
Raine
Didn't have a large sample of women, only 2 in the group. This could be seen as beta bias, however, the sample could have been limited due to less women committing violent crime. It was also a western sample so it could suffer from ethnocentrism. Culture could also impact how the brain develops.
Social control
Watson and Rayner
A real life application of the study is phobias as it shows that fear can be taught or learnt. It can be used as a form of social control as it is changing someone's behaviour through therapy. The social control of the experiments made Little Albert come out with a phobia so wasn't all that good, however it can help improve lives.
Sherif
Sherif's study applies to real life by identifying how prejudice might arise or come about. It could be used as a form of social control as you can change someone's behaviour to reduce negative behaviour. This is good at improving the cohesion of society.
Baddley
Baddley's study can help us to improve the life of dementia patients by helping to bring back memories by reconstructing environments. This can be used as a form of social control as improving memory is changing somebody's thoughts. The social controls for this are good because it is helping to improve the life of a person.
Rosenhan
Rosenhan helped to improve the diagnosis of disorders in psychiatry. This can be used as social control as it demonstrates the power of the label and how that can lead to therapies to alter behaviour. The social control for this is bad because who is actually benefiting from this, the patient or the staff? It also sows that it isn't always necessary as people were given treatment when it wasn't needed.
Raine
A real life application of the study is is shows implications of of the criminal justice system. This can be used as a form of social control as it determines whether people are guilty or not guilty, alleviating blame. This form of social control is good and bad a it makes society safer, whilst also removing blame.
Ethical issues
Watson and Rayner
Little Albert was protected from any physical harm however that cannot be said for psychological harm as the intention was to cause a phobia. However, his mother had the right to remove him from the study at any point and he also remained anonymous to the public as his name wasn't actually Albert
Sherif
The boys didnt know they were at the camp to be observed, therefore this is deception and although the parents gave consent the boys did not so there was a lack of informed consent. However the boys did have a right to withdraw as 2 of them did after feeling homesick.
Baddley
Those who participated had a right to withdraw meaning they could back out when they wanted. Their information was also kept confidential and not given out to anyone.
Rosenhan
Doctors and nurses weren't able to give informed consent as they didnt know that the study was taking place, this is also deception. There was also a lack of competence as staying there for a long amount of time could have affected the participants psychologically.
Raine
Participants had the right to withdraw at any time. However, there was deception involved as the prisoners thought that taking part was going to help them in prison. There was also a lack of protection from harm due to needles and not being able to take their medication for 2 weeks, which can lead to the staff also being at risk of harm. However it was necessary to do this as it gave a more accurate result on the PET scan since they had nothing changing their natural biology so Raine was able to get a true picture of their brain.
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