1. Lesson 2 – Introduction to Psychology
DATE: xx September 2017 HEADING: Debates Within Psychology: Freewill and Determinism 1
Lesson 2 – Introduction to Psychology
Learning Challenge:
You will be able to:
Define Freewill
Define the word Determinism
Explain and evaluate Darrow’s argument for Determinism and the case of Jamie Bulger

2. Starter
Write a paragraph (at least 3 sentences) explaining what you see in or interpret from this picture.
Be ready to discuss

3. Let’s Read: Clarence Darrow’s argument Page 7 Whole Class

4. James Bulger: a murder that shocked Britain

5. When did it happen?
James Bulger was a month from his 3rd birthday when he was abducted, on a whim, and murdered by two boys Robert Thompson and Jon Venables (both 10)
James went missing while shopping with his mum in Bootle’s Strand Shopping Centre on 12 February 1993

6. How did it happen?
James was led away from the shopping centre while his mother was in a nearby butcher’s shop
The picture, captured on CCTV, of James being led away by hand became a famous image

7. Why weren’t they stopped?
After abducting James the boys walked him for two and a half miles, kicking and punching him as they went
38 people saw them, some of whom challenged the boy
They claimed they were looking after their younger brother or that James was lost and they were taking him to a local police station

8. How did James die?
The boys beat him to death with bricks and an iron bar and left his body on a railway line where it was discovered 2 days later
After their arrest and throughout the trail the boys were known only as Child A and Child B

9. How could two lads playing truant from school, commit such a crime?
Had they been influenced by watching horror movies?
Were they the product of growing up in a poor and troubled environment?
Or were they evil, scheming boys who ought to be locked up for life?

10. What happened to them?
In November 1993 the boys were convicted of murder
They were named by the trial judge and sentenced to secure youth accommodation for at least 8 years
In June 2001 they were released on life licence and given new, secret identities

11. Where are they now?
An injunction in England & Wales bans reporting of Thompson and Venable’s new names and locations
The ban does not apply in Scotland, or other countries, but despite numerous rumours their identities have remained secret
The memory of this case has never faded for parents, many of whom now keep their children much closer while out on a shopping trip

12. Do the Your Turn activity from the resource (Page 8) (Silent independent work)
We will discuss your answers afterwards.

13. Let’s watch a video

14. Plenary
Make up your mind: Quickly write your answer down: Who is to blame for a crime? The Criminal or the criminal’s background? Make sure you explain your choice.