Nature / nurture Flashcards
Define key terms in the nature nurture debate Explain the methods used in studies on nature and nurture Describe how the contribution of nature and nurture may vary across species Explain to what extent infant face preferences are innate Discuss the roles of nature and nurture in educational achievement, cognition and antisocial behaviour Explain and apply the Genotype-Environment Interaction Theory
Define nurture
our environment, upbringing and life experiences determine our behaviour
Define nature
Our genes determine our behaviour and out personality, preferences and abilities are inherent
Define nativism
Many skills or abilities are native or hard wired into our brain as this aids survival for the child
Define empiricism
All knowledge and metal abilities results from learning and experience
Define heritability
How much of the variation in a particular trait results from genetic variation among individuals
Define environmentality
How much variation in the trait results from environmental factors
Define phenotype
The interaction of genetic and environmental influences to create a person’s physical appearance and behaviour
Whats a precocial species
The young are physically mobile from birth
Whats an altricial species
The young are helpless are rely on their parents are birth
Different ways to measure nature nurture x3
Genetic studies, heritability, family resemblance
How are face preferences innate
Infants look around the edge of objects rather than the centre. Faces often have more information at the edge so holds the attention of infants longer. Or they could do it for survival as looking at caregivers results in attention and or food.
How is education influenced by nature / nurture
Lee et al did a study and found 1271 DNA variations implicated in educational achievement. This explained 11% of variation in educational achievement meaning a large amount is due to the environment
How is the MAOA gene implicated in the development of antisocial behaviour
The MOAO gene produces a protein which breaks down neurotransmitters. If the neurotransmitters build up they lead to an increased likelihood of developing aggression. When there is low activity of the gene combined with maltreatment there’s a high chance of antisocial behaviour in adulthood
What is passive gene environment effects
Biological parents provide both the genes and environment for the child. It decreases with age. Parents who like reading will read to children more and so child is likely to like reading too
What is evocative gene environment effects
Temperamental characteristics of the child evoke responses from others. They remain constant with age. Cooperative preschoolers will receive more praise than disruptive preschoolers
