Nature / Nurture

Question 1

Nature

Answer 1

Born with set abilities and characteristics

Question 2

Strengths of nature 1

Answer 2

Useful to psychology: enhances our knowledge of how behaviour can be affected by innate factors - could help us explain/understand behaviours

Question 3

Strengths of nature 2

Answer 3

Useful to society: May suggest ways to improve behaviour by developing techniques to help people cope with innate deficits - practical applications

Question 4

Weaknesses of nature 1

Answer 4

Reductionist : ignores the influence of nurture on behaviour- ignoring the complexity of human behaviour - practical applications may then not work

Question 5

S/W of nature

Answer 5

Determinism:
:) May highlight an innate cause for behaviour beyond their control. If that behaviour is an illness/disorder, then determinism may create empathy for the sufferer.

:( If the behaviour is negative e.g. aggression/crime then determinism gives them an excuse

Question 6

Nurture

Answer 6

Environmental factors

Question 7

Strengths of nurture 1

Answer 7

Useful to psychology: enhance our knowledge of how behaviour may be due to environmental factors- help us explain behaviours that occur

Question 8

Strengths of nurture 2

Answer 8

Useful to society: It is easier to manipulate environments to improve behaviour than to manipulate people directly - practical applications

Question 9

Weaknesses of nurture 1

Answer 9

Reductionist: it ignores the influence of nature on behaviour - ignoring the complexity of human behaviour- practical applications may not work then.

Question 10

Weaknesses of nurture 2

Answer 10

Determinism: May highlight an environmental cause for the behaviour that is beyond a persons control. This may create excuses for any negative behaviours