Which theory explains phenomena in purely physical or deterministic terms?

• A. Behavioralist Theory
• B. Organismic Theory
• C. Mechanistic Theory
• D. Preformationist Theory

Answer: (C)

The main idea is explaining phenomena strictly through physical causes and predictable, law-like processes. Mechanistic theory treats living beings like machines, where actions result from physical interactions and neural or bodily processes. Because it sticks to prior states and physical conditions producing the same outcomes, it has a deterministic edge: given the same conditions, the same result follows. This aligns with a view of behavior and life processes as governed by physical laws rather than by internal purpose or growth from within.

The other theories shift focus: behaviorist theory centers on observable actions shaped by environmental reinforcement, which is about learning patterns rather than pure physical determinism; organismic theory sees the whole organism as an integrated, purposeful system with internal growth and goals; preformationist theory is an historical idea about embryos containing miniature pre-formed structures, not a current framework for explaining physical determinism.