Understanding Biases and Universality in Research Methods

Alpha bias is a concept in gender studies that refers to the tendency to exaggerate differences between men and women, often resulting in the undervaluation of one gender, typically females.

Beta bias refers to theories that downplay or disregard the differences between the sexes, while alpha bias does the opposite by emphasizing these differences.

Androcentrism refers to a male-centred perspective where normal behavior is evaluated based on male standards, potentially making females appear deficient compared to males.

Universality refers to a characteristic or principle that can be applied across different contexts and to all individuals, regardless of their unique backgrounds or circumstances.

Cultural bias occurs when individuals ignore or downplay cultural differences, leading them to interpret events through the lens of their own culture's beliefs and values, often resulting in inaccurate perceptions and judgments.

Ethnocentrism is the belief in the inherent superiority of one's own ethnic group or culture, leading to the tendency to view other cultures from the perspective of one's own. This often results in prejudice and discrimination towards other cultures.

Free will refers to the ability of humans to make their own choices independently of external or biological influences. It is the belief that individuals have autonomy in decision-making.

Determinism is the philosophical concept that suggests that individual behavior is not purely based on free will, but rather influenced by various internal or external factors beyond one's control.

Hard determinism posits that our actions are ultimately determined by factors beyond our control, negating the existence of free will.

Soft determinism acknowledges that behavior is influenced by various factors, both internal and external, while also allowing for the possibility of conscious choices impacting behavior.

Biological determinism suggests that behavior is influenced by biological factors that are beyond our conscious control, such as genetics, hormones, and evolutionary instincts. It contrasts with the idea that behavior is solely influenced by environmental factors, conscious decision-making, or supernatural forces.

Environmental determinism is the idea that aspects of the environment dictate the behavior of individuals, rather than personal choice or genetics. It suggests that factors beyond an individual's control shape their actions.

Psychic determinism suggests that behavior is driven by unconscious conflicts rather than solely being attributed to genetics, environmental factors, or conscious decisions. It emphasizes the influence of internal psychological forces that are beyond our control.

Heredity refers to the genetic transmission of traits from one generation to another, rather than the passing on of acquired traits, natural selection, or the study of diseases.

External influences on human behavior encompass a wide range of factors beyond genetics, including cultural, historical, societal, and prenatal factors.

The Interactionist Approach emphasizes the interconnectedness of nature and nurture in shaping human behavior, highlighting the dynamic interaction between genes and environment in influencing individual development.

Holism is a theory that views a system as a whole entity that is more than just a sum of its parts, emphasizing the interconnectedness and interdependence of elements within the system.

Reductionism is the approach of explaining complex phenomena by reducing it to its simpler components or basic elements. It suggests that in order to understand human behavior, it should be broken down into smaller parts.

Biological reductionism is a form of reductionism that seeks to understand complex social and psychological phenomena by looking at the underlying biological processes. It does not exclude environmental factors but rather aims to explain these phenomena from a biological perspective.

Environmental reductionism is a reductionist theory that emphasizes the influence of external stimuli and experiences on shaping behavior, as opposed to solely genetic factors.

The correct answer explains that the idiographic approach specifically looks at individual cases to gain insights into behavior, rather than focusing on larger populations or group dynamics.

The nomothetic approach is characterized by its focus on developing general principles and universal laws, derived from the Greek term 'nomos' meaning 'law'. This approach aims to study human behavior through the lens of overarching principles rather than individual case studies or subjective experiences.

Psychological research has the potential to influence public opinion and shape societal views on certain groups, highlighting the importance of ethical considerations such as respect for participants' rights, avoiding biased stereotypes, and upholding consent and confidentiality.

Social sensitivity in research refers to being aware of and considering the potential consequences or implications of the research on the individuals involved or the broader group they represent. It involves ethical considerations and the impact of the study on the subjects.