Issues & Debates- The Nature-Nurture Debate Flashcards
The nature-nurture debate -
Concerned with the extent to which aspects of behaviour are a product of inherited or acquired characteristics.
Heredity -
The genetic transmission of mental and physical characteristics from one generation to another.
Environment -
Any influence on human behaviour that is non-genetic. This may range from pre-natal influences in the womb through to cultural and historical influences at a societal level.
The interactionist approach -
The idea that nature and nurture are linked to such an extent that it does not make sense to separate the two, so researchers instead study how they interact and influence each other.
What is the nature-nurture debate in psychology?
The nature-nurture debate explores the relative contributions of heredity (nature) and environment (nurture) in shaping human behavior and characteristics.
What is the nativist perspective in the nature-nurture debate?
Nativists, such as René Descartes, argue that human characteristics and knowledge are innate and determined by heredity.
What is the empiricist perspective in the nature-nurture debate?
Empiricists, such as John Locke, argue that the mind is a blank slate at birth, and all knowledge and behavior are shaped by experience and the environment.
What is the heritability coefficient?
The heritability coefficient is a numerical figure ranging from 0 to 1.0 that indicates the extent to which a characteristic is genetically determined, with 1 meaning it is entirely genetic.
What is the general heritability figure for IQ?
The general heritability figure for IQ is around 0.5, suggesting that both genetics and environment play significant roles in intelligence.
What are the different levels of the environment identified by Richard Lerner?
Lerner identified levels of the environment ranging from prenatal factors, such as the mother’s physical and psychological state, to postnatal factors, such as social conditions and cultural context.
Why is it difficult to separate nature and nurture in practice?
Nature and nurture are closely intertwined, making it practically and theoretically challenging to separate their influences, especially since environmental influences begin at birth or earlier.
What is the interactionist approach in the nature-nurture debate?
The interactionist approach suggests that nature and nurture interact, with innate characteristics influencing environmental responses, which in turn affect behavior.
There may be a case for offering a wider variety of psychological treatments, such as art therapy, to improve outcomes for individuals with schizophrenia.
