Issues and debates - nature vs nurture

Question 1

Nature- 3 marks

Answer 1

Suggests our behaviour is caused by innate biological/internal factors. For example: genes, neurotransmitters, organic matter, evolutionary based mechanisms. In particular some argue that an impaired SERT gene can cause OCD due to low levels of serotonin.

Question 2

Nurture- for 3 marks

Answer 2

Suggests our behaviour is caused by the influence of the environment around us. For example: social norms, social class, parenting style and socialisation. Some argue the acquisition of phobias can be a learnt phenomena.

Question 3

Interactionist argument

Answer 3

Believe that the true answer to the debate is that both nature and nurture influence behaviour. For example, phenotypes. The best example of this comes from clinical psychology and the diathesis-stress model.

Question 4

Heredity

Answer 4

refers to the genetic transmission of mental and behavioural characteristics from on gen to another. This is often coded in your DNA from mum and dad. It is often quantified with a heritability coefficient.

Question 5

Environment

Answer 5

any influence on human behaviour that is non-genetic (can range from prenatal influences in the womb to cultural and historical influences in society)

Question 6

Heritability Coefficient

Answer 6

used to assess heredity. It is a numerical figure ranging for 0 to 1.0 which indicates the extent that the characteristics has a genetic basis. 1 mean entirely genetically determined

Question 7

Diathesis + stress model

Answer 7

A model of mental illness that influences the in

Question 8

Epigenetics

Answer 8

Refers to a change in our genetic expression without changing our genetic code. It is caused by interaction with the environment.

Question 9

Evaluation- evidence to show nature drives much of our behaviour (concordance rates in twins)

Answer 9

Because MZ twins share 100% of their genes and DZ twins share only 50%, OCD in MZ twins should have a higher concordance rate then in DZ twins. And it does, 68% vs 31%. Shows how genes play a role in acquisition on behviour

Question 10

Evaluation- There is an issue with concordance rates in OCD being used to prove nature.

Answer 10

If OCD was completely gen, concordance rate would be 100%. But they are not meaning that environment must play a role too.

Question 11

Tienaris’ study into the development of schizophrenia in adopted families

Answer 11

5.8% developed SZ in a healthy family environment 36.8% developed in a dysfunctional family environment Tienari suggested a biological diathesis to SZ is triggered by a psychological stressor

Question 12

Evaluation- evidence of an interactionist approach in adopted SZ families

Answer 12

Followed a Finish national sample of children with SZ mothers who had been adopted 5.8% developed SZ in a healthy family environment 36.8% developed in a dysfunctional family environment Tienari suggested a biological diathesis to SZ is triggered by a psychological stressor, so in order to understand human behaviour both nature and nurture must be considered

Question 13

Evaluation- practical applications

Answer 13

By assuming behaviour is learnt, we could offer parenting classes to reduce poor communication and relationships in the household and minismise risk of developing SZBy assuming SZ has biological roots we could offer drug treatments i.e anti-psychotics like dopamine that would target the release of dopamine levels to help relieve symptoms of SZ

Question 14

Evaluation- the debate has evolved in recent years to nature vs nurture to more of an assumption that both of them effect behaviour (SZ)

Answer 14

SZ is thought to be caused by both biological and environmental factors Genetic vulnerability, neurochem imbalances and neuroanatomical imbalances could environmental factors e.g daily stressors or dysfunctional/poor family connections.First biological drugs could be used to combat symptoms, then psychological treatment. So the evolution of the debate may benefit society by combining both sides to produce effective treatments.

Question 15

Evaluation- nature perspective is arguably more scientific (OCD and SZ)

Answer 15

E,g For example the nature ( Neurochemical ) explanation of SZ can be tested by using scientific equipment such as brain scans that give objective evidence, about changes in levels of DA in patient. This implies the DA account of schizophrenia promotes psychology as a rigorous scientific subjectHowever the nurture (operant conditioning ) explanation of maintaining phobias could be considered less scientific as other unseen factors that cannot be objectively measured may have a part to play in maintaining the phobia. As there are no scientific ways to measure such factors this does not promote psychology as a rigorous science.