B1 The nature/nurture debate Flashcards
what is Gesell’s maturation theory? (Nature)
Development is predetermined by genetics
Environment has little influence
Gesell noted that each child moves through a sequence of ‘norms’ or ‘milestones’ at their own pace.
Delayed childhood development = due to hereditary factors (rather than environment).
what is Bandura’s social learning theory? (Nurture)
Stressed how children learn by observation and imitation. Theory based on the famous ‘Bobo doll’ experiment.
Bandura suggests 4 STAGES of behavioural learning:
Child observes behaviour of someone else (e.g. someone they admire or who is close to them like a sibling)
Child internalises the action (by remembering what they observed)
Child replicates the behaviour
POSITIVE reinforcement = child repeats behaviour NEGATIVE reinforcement = child desists (stops).
what is Stress-diathesis model? (Both)
Explains how stress caused by life events (nurture) can interact with a persons genetic vulnerability (nature) to impact on mental wellbeing.
HIGH levels of stress (e.g. family conflict, abuse, trauma) could trigger the onset for those with a predisposition.
Genetic predisposition for a psychological disorder = does NOT mean the person will always go on to develop the disorder - requires stressful experiences .
