Explaining Human Behaviour

Question 1

what do people say human behaviour is a result of

Answer 1

either nature or nurture

Question 2

what is the nature side to do with

Answer 2

• genes
• biology
• innate
• natural
• instinctive
• pre programmed

Question 3

what is the nurture side to do with

Answer 3

• learning
• cultivated
• environmental influences
  society

Question 4

what do biologists say human behaviour is similar to

Answer 4

animal behaviour, controlled by instinct

Question 5

what is similar about humans

Answer 5

share same needs and qualities, but sociologists recognise that society is divers, varied and pluralistic

Question 6

different variations of satisfying sex drives

Answer 6

• promiscuity
• monogamy
• serial monogamy
• polygamy
• remaining celibate

Question 7

promiscuity

Answer 7

sex with a lot of people

Question 8

monogamy

Answer 8

1 sexual partner

Question 9

serial monogamy

Answer 9

different monogamous partners at different periods

Question 10

polygamy

Answer 10

having more than one partner

Question 11

celibate

Answer 11

not having sex

Question 12

what actions contradict the self reservation drive

Answer 12

some people:

• self harm
• commit suicide
• risk life in war

Question 13

what actions contradict a mother’s maternal instinct

Answer 13

some women:

• abandon
• abuse
• over 1/5 of women in UK choose not to have children

Question 14

why do sociologist say that biology and instincts can’t explain our behaviour

Answer 14

most of it isn’t inborn or fixed with all members of society- it varies within and between societies

Question 15

what do sociologists say the reason for variations within society is

Answer 15

our behaviour is a result of our learning, not natural and instinctive

Question 16

how do sociologists define culture

Answer 16

all things learned/shared by a society, transmitted from generation to generation. all things a society may regard as important.

Question 17

norms

Answer 17

specific rules that govern behaviour, varies through cultures

Question 18

values

Answer 18

principles and goals telling us whats good and how we should act

Question 19

primary socialisation

Answer 19

early years of our life, often influence of family

Question 20

secondary socialisation

Answer 20

process carrying on as we grow and develop

Question 21

status

Answer 21

position in society, ascribed or achieved

Question 22

social roles

Answer 22

expectations and obligations of status

Question 23

role conflict

Answer 23

when demands of social roles clash and cause strain