WDW101Y1 Lecture Notes - Tabula Rasa, Classical Conditioning, Social Evolution
Document Summary
Tension between theories that focus on structure and theories that focus on process. Conflicting assumptions about human nature: theories that confuse on individuals that are rational, in control vs. those who believe that individuals are shaped by their social environment. Different conceptions of the link between society and individual behavior: some theories are highly determinant, that it depends on the social environment vs. human"s free will. Must be able to operationalize important concepts or variables: must be measurable , able to test and measure the main concepts of the theory. Some theories focus on changing the individual. Some theories focus on changing the law. Must consider the practical limitations of theoretically derived policy recommendations. In order to reduce crime we might want to change the severity of the punishment. Serious crimes explained in spiritual terms: the battle between good and evil. Trephination: an early form of neural surgery designed to release evil spirits dwelling in the heads of offenders.