Outline two types of determinism

Biological determinism refers to the concept that all human behaviour is innate and determined by factors like our genes, hormones and neurotransmitter systems. The biological approach looks at behaviour with a biologically deterministic view. An example is the idea the dopamine hypothesis in explaining causes for schizophrenia. This idea refers to the concept that an excess of the dopamine neurotransmitter causes the symptoms seen in schizophrenia.A second type of determinism is environmental determinism. This is the view that behaviour is caused by forces outside the individual. Therefore our behaviours are caused by previous experience.An example is the idea that phobias are acquired through the process of classical conditioning and maintained through operant conditioning.

MM
Answered by Miriam M. Psychology tutor

6461 Views

See similar Psychology A Level tutors

Related Psychology A Level answers

All answers ▸

Discuss the use of token economies to manage schizophrenia


Evaluate research into the cognitive approach


Calculate the mean and standard deviation from the following data


Explain the interactionist approach to explaining mental disorders.


We're here to help

contact us iconContact ustelephone icon+44 (0) 203 773 6020
Facebook logoInstagram logoLinkedIn logo

MyTutor is part of the IXL family of brands:

© 2026 by IXL Learning