PSYC 164 Chapter Notes - Chapter 2: Determinism, Physiognomy, Scientific Method
Document Summary
Biological theories: explain behaviors contrary to social expectations through examination of indi characteristics. Positivism: asserts that behaviors are determined by factors largely beyond indi control. Types of external influences they identify as determinative of indi behavior. Those that attempt to differentiate among indi on the basis of certain innate outward physical traits or characteristics. Those that attempt to trace source of diff to genetic or hereditary characteristics. Attempt to distinguish among indi on the basis of structural, functional, chem diff in the brain or body. Explain the harshness of 19th century classical school philosophies. Classical theorists: indi engage in behaviors that were pleasurable and avoid behaviors that were painful i. e. punishment would prevent indi from acting out bc it caused pain. Not concerned about causes of behavior bc behavior = choice. Search for causes of crime (biological, psychological or sociological) Use of scientific method to test theories against observations of the world.
