Issues And Debates Flashcards
1
Q
Nature Vs Nurture
A
Nature: Thoughts feelings and behaviour are determined before birth, and are inherited
Nurture: Thoughts, feelings and behaviour are determined by factors that we experience after birth
2
Q
Strengths of Nature
A
- If we can predict what people will be like we can prepare for negative traits
- Doesn’t blame individuals for behaviour as it is inherited
- Easier to measure objectively
3
Q
Weaknesses of Nature
A
- If behaviour can not be controlled may discourage individuals from improving or changing
- Likely to be a mix of both
- Harder to change nature than nurture
4
Q
Strengths of Nurture
A
- Can work out which environments provide individuals with positive traits. Helps to raise children
- Individuals aren’t to blame for their upbringing. Encourages compassion
- Easier to change environment than a persons nature
5
Q
Weaknesses of Nurture
A
- Encourages individuals to blame upbringing and not to change
- Likely to be a mix of both
- Harder to measure objectively. Have to be observed and categorised
6
Q
Free will Vs Determinism
A
Free will: The ability to choose how we think feel and behave
Determinism: The inability to choose how we think feel and behave. Decisions are controlled by factors beyond personal control
7
Q
Strengths of Free will
A
- Rarely found similarity within groups found in studies suggesting people can choose to act differently
- Motivates individuals to change
8
Q
Weaknesses of Free will
A
- Hard to establish cause and effect people can be unpredictable
- Implies individuals are to blame
- Less practical applications. If people cannot be controlled harder to force more pro social behaviours
9
Q
Strengths of Determinism
A
- Can establish cause and effect
- Doesn’t blame individual for their behaviour
- More practical applications
10
Q
Weaknesses of Determinism
A
- Ignores differences in free will. When people in the same situation decide to do two separate things
- Gives individuals an excuse not to change if behaviour cannot be controlled
