CalmPath: Pre-empting Anger
A new wearable biosensor, CalmPath, is designed for individuals struggling with anger management. The wristband continuously monitors physiological arousal, such as heart rate and skin conductance. If it detects a spike indicating imminent anger, it instantly delivers a micro-dose of a calming aerosol and a gentle transcutaneous electrical pulse to trigger autonomic relaxation. Proponents claim this technology virtually eliminates hostile outbursts. Opponents argue that bypassing conscious emotional regulation and the active decision to calm down strips users of personal agency and moral responsibility.
Using Item A, outline what is meant by the free will/determinism debate and explain how it may apply to this technology.
276 exam-style questions on OCR A Level Psychology Debates, covering Nature/nurture, Freewill/determinism, Reductionism/holism, Individual/situational explanations, Usefulness of research, Ethical considerations, Conducting socially sensitive research, and Psychology as a science. Each one has a worked solution and a mark scheme showing where the marks go.