Issues & debates AO3

Question 1

Nature vs Nurture AO3

Answer 1

• Interactionist approach best? Both are considered
• Interactionist best- PKU- genetic disorder (nature) but can be managed through diet (nurture).
• Finnish adoption study- nature can impact development of Sz- study Sz mothers and their kids (both nature and nurture) however didnt seem to be nurture on its own.
• Plomin creates 3 types of gene-environmental interactions which he says shows you can distinguish between nature/nurture.

Question 2

Freewill and determinism
AO3

Answer 2

• against determinism, evidence for humanistic, identical twins 80% similar intelligence scores, 40% similar likelihood of depression, 20% must be environmental.
• dont favour determinist, potential excuse for criminal acts, stephen mobley ‘born to kill’

Question 3

Culture bias AO3

Answer 3

+Less of issue than used to be - Takano + Osaka - 14/15 studies comparing USA + Japan found no distinction between individualism + collectivism

-Conducting research in different culture means less control of variables
+Now cross cultural studies easier. Psychologists more open minded so reduces culture bias

+Can be universal - Ekman - basic facial features expressions same globally (imitation + interactional synchrony universal)

Question 4

Gender bias AO3

Answer 4

-Lack of women at senior level so female concerns not reflected in research question, lab experiments disadvantage women as female ppts labelled irrational

+Gender bias minimised - Worell gave criteria to adhere to e.g. diversity in groups

-Gender bias long lasting effect - women who attend uni = shrivelled ovaries (outdated)