B1 - Nature/Nurture debate Flashcards
1
Q
What does nature refer to?
A
Genetic inheritance and other biological factors
2
Q
What does nurture refer to?
A
External influences on development such as the environment
3
Q
What is maturation?
A
Characteristics and differences that are not observed at birth but emerge later in life
4
Q
What is Gessell’s maturation theory?
A
- He investigated large groups of children to see what skills and abilities they had in common
- Children have milestones they achieve
- Each child goes through the sequence at their own pace
- Development is predetermined and environment has little influence
5
Q
What are criticisms of Gessels theory?
A
- Not helpful in explaining individual or cultural differences
- Doesn’t take into account the influence environment has
6
Q
Is Gessels’ theory nature or nurture?
A
Nature
7
Q
What is Bandura’s study?
A
- Bobo doll
- Witnessed either friendly playing or someone beating the doll
- Witnessed children’s reaction in a room with both types of toys
- Children copied the aggressive behaviour in the aggressive condition
8
Q
Is Bandura nature or nurture?
A
Nurture
9
Q
What are critics of Bandura?
A
- Theory doesn’t take into account biology
- Rejects the differences in individuals due to genetic, brain and learning differences
10
Q
What is the stress diathesis model?
A
- Helps to explain how stress caused by life events (nurture) can interact with a persons genetic vulnerability (nature)
- Some people are born with predispositions for mental illness, a diathesis
- If there experience high levels of stress its more likely it may develop
11
Q
Is the stress diathesis model nature or nurture?
A
Both
12
Q
What are criticisms of the stress diathesis model?
A
- Does not give answers as to whether development throughout the life span is down to nature or nurture
