explaining behaviour using different themes - classic studies

Question 1

ways of explaining behaviour using different themes in social classic study

Answer 1

sherif’s study suggests that prejudice emerges spontaneously in the presence of competition emphasising the innate nature of prejudice.

the study is based on nurture where we are influenced by groups, so become prejudiced towards others. This was seen in the two groups forming in sherif’s study who upon introduction increased in hostility.

Question 2

ways of explaining behaviour using different themes in cognitive classic study

Answer 2

the ability to encode acoustically or semantically is determined by nature (LTM encoded semantically)

Stimulating memory allows for better maintenance rehearsal. Preventing stimuli from decaying.

People encoding brain structures differently suggesting nature.

Memories are something that are hard-wired within us.

Question 3

ways of explaining behaviour using different themes in biological classic study

Answer 3

raine et al’s study of murderers suggest that nature is the cause of murderers because the scans showed lower levels of activity in the prefrontal cortex which is the site of emotional regulation.

However, Jim Fallon suggested that having the brain profile of a murderer is not enough as a person also needs an abusive childhood + trigger in the environment for violence.

Question 4

ways of explaining behaviour using different themes in learning classic study

Answer 4

Albert did not have any reactions to the stimuli at the start of experiment but reactions developed after conditioning. This suggests there is cause and effect, and that the conditioning cause the phobias (nurture)

However, Albert was chosen for his resilient personality so individual differences could have had an effect on conditioning.

Question 5

ways of explaining behaviour using different themes in clinical classic study

Answer 5

diagnosis had the same symptoms of SZ suggesting a biological basis of SZ.

When pp’s got diagnosed it was hard to be perceived as anything else. e.g. writing in diaries was considered abnormal linking to stigma therefore suggesting nurture.