Discuss the nature nurture debate Flashcards
The nature-nurture debate is controversy over…
Relative contributions of genetic factors, I.e nature versus environmental factors I.e nurture
in determining a person’s characteristics and abilities.
Nature, the argument that human behaviour and characteristics are…
Innate, the result of heredity
Evolutionary theories, those that promote survival and reproduction will be naturally selected, genes subsequently passed on.
Rooted in nativist theory that assumes…
Human soul at birth comes equipped with an innate understanding of certain concepts
E.g of theory on the nature side of the debate is the biological approach.
Heredity, evolution, hormones and brain structure influence behaviour
E.g sexual selection explaining reproductive behaviour in relationships
Neural and hormonal explanations of aggression
Dopamine hypothesis for schizophrenia.
Holding extreme nativist views is controversial
The belief that autonomy is destiny in our inherited genetic makeup determines our characteristics has serious implications for socially sensitive research in eugenics
E.g the Nazis believed selective breeding could improve the quality of the human race, leading to the sterilization of people.
This means that…
Holding beliefs that nature influences behavior could lead to scientific racism.
Nurture, the argument that human characteristics and behaviour are…
Shaped by environmental influences, experiences and interactions within. The physical and social world
This is rooted in empiricist theory, which assumes that…
At birth the human mind is a tabula rasa that is gradually filled as a result of experience.
E.g of a theory on the nurture side of the debate is…
Initiation of phobias through classical conditioning.
Source of the phobia NS becomes associated with an NCS through repetition.
The source of the phobia becomes a CS. The individual’s phobia is a CR through experience.
Supporting evidence for the role of Nurture
E.g Little Albert
White rat and hammer on a steel bar
7 x over 7 weeks
White rat becomes CS
Interactionist approach may be a better explanation of most behaviours. This assumes that…
with a biological pre disposition and an environmental stressor. Processes of nature and nurture should be looked at together rather than in opposition
E.g diathesis-stress models used to explain behaviours
Supporting evidence for the interactionist approach
Supporting evidence for the interactionist approach
F found males with MAOAL gene showed higher levels of aggression if they also experienced childhood trauma.
Individuals who possessed the MAOAL gene and we’re not aggressive did not experience childhood trauma
This suggests that…
The influences of nature and nurture cannot be separated and both influence behaviour.
The debate is complicated by the index of constructivism. This is the idea that…
People create their nurture by actively selecting to live in environments that are appropriate for their nature.
Niche-picking refers to seeking out experiences to suit genetic makeup.
E.g a child who inherited a biological disposition for aggressive behaviour may select violent media
This suggests that…
It is impossible to separate the influences of nature and nurture.
