Which pair best represents the two viewpoints described about behaviour in early psychology?

Which pair best represents the two viewpoints described about behaviour in early psychology?

• A. All behaviour is caused; it is possible to predict how humans will behave
• B. Behaviour is random; free will
• C. All behaviour is learned; innate instincts
• D. Humans can only be studied through introspection

Answer: (A)

Early psychology often framed behaviour in terms of causes and prediction. The idea that all behaviour is caused reflects determinism—every action has a reason or influence. If those causes can be understood, you can anticipate what someone will do in a given situation, which is the second part: the ability to predict how humans will behave. So the pair “All behaviour is caused” and “it is possible to predict how humans will behave” combines a causal, law-like view with a predictive aim, which is why it’s the best fit. The other options mix different themes—randomness/free will, the nature vs nurture debate, or a focus on introspection as a method—without capturing that early psychology’s two core viewpoints about behaviour.

Early psychology often framed behaviour in terms of causes and prediction. The idea that all behaviour is caused reflects determinism—every action has a reason or influence. If those causes can be understood, you can anticipate what someone will do in a given situation, which is the second part: the ability to predict how humans will behave. So the pair “All behaviour is caused” and “it is possible to predict how humans will behave” combines a causal, law-like view with a predictive aim, which is why it’s the best fit. The other options mix different themes—randomness/free will, the nature vs nurture debate, or a focus on introspection as a method—without capturing that early psychology’s two core viewpoints about behaviour.