Issues And Debates: The Nature-nurture debate

Question 1

Define Nature argument

Answer 1

View that behaviour is the product of innate or biological factors
Heredity = process in which traits are passed down from one generation to the next

Question 2

Define Nurture argument

Answer 2

View that behaviour is the product of environmental influences
environment = everything outside the body, people, events, psychical world

Question 3

Define interactionist approach

Answer 3

View that both nature and nurture work together to shape behaviour

1. Diathesis-stress model
2. Epigenetic’s

Question 4

Define Diathesis-stress model

Answer 4

Suggest mental disorder is caused by a biological vulnerability (diathesis) which is only expressed when coupled with an environmental trigger (stressor)

Question 5

Define Epigenetics

Answer 5

change in genetic activity without changing the genetic code
Lifestyle and events leave epigenetic marks on our DNA
e.g. smoking

Question 6

Evaluate the nature-nurture debate

Answer 6

• behaviour shaping by altering environment can be used to manipulate society
• cant separate nature and nurture. If its someones nature to be aggressive they will surround themselves with aggressive people therefore be nurtured by these people