Nature Nurture - AO3 Flashcards
Why does the argument become impossible to answer?
Because environmental influences in a Childs life begin as soon as it is born (or even before).
Why does it make little sense to separate nature and nurture?
Because they are so closely intertwined.
What is an example that should how closely nature and nurture are intertwined and therefore why it makes little sense to separate them?
Twin studies, it is often very hard to tell whether high concordance rates are more the results of shared genetics or shared upbringing.
What has changed about this debate over the years, and what is the debate now?
The focus of the debate has changed and now we seek the relative contribution of each influence.
What approach is being taken when you are seeking the relative contribution of each influence in terms of our thoughts and behaviours?
Interactionist approach.
How can the relative influence of genes be tested?
Twin studies.
What are twins called that are identical and therefore share 100% of DNA?
Monozygotic twins.
What conclusions can we make from monozygotic twins?
The environment must have an impact because if behaviour was due to genetics, they would act identically, but they don’t!
What are concordance rates?
Measured similarities in behaviour.
What other studies are useful when determining the relative influence of nature, nurture?
Adoption studies - do children act more like their adopted parents or biological parents?
What are the three main examples of the interactionist approach?
1) Diathesis-Stress model.
2) Epigenetic.
3) Constructivism.
Describe the diathesis-stress model in terms of an example for the interactionist approach.
3 points.
- A gene for a behaviour exists, but it must be ‘triggered’ by something stressful in the environment .
- Gene and environment interactions.
- Study of OCD = SERT and COMPT genes need ‘triggering’ by a trauma.
Describe epigenetics in terms of an example for the interactionist approach.
6 points.
- A change in our genetic activity without a change in genetic code.
- Lifestyle and events we encounter leave ‘epigenetic marks’ on our DNA.
- Such as pollution, smoking, diet, excessive
- These ‘epigenetic marks’ stay in our genes ad can be passed down to our children and further.
- Life experience of our previous generations cause nature and nurture interactions.
- Nurture becomes nature. (environment is affecting your nature.)
Describe constructivism in terms of an example for the interactionist approach.
3 points.
- People create their own nurture by actively seeking and selecting environments that suit their nature.
- A child that shows a behaviour will likely seek friendships in those with similar behaviours.
- This environment affects their development (niche building).
What is a nice tail for any of the three large examples of the interactionist approach?
This is further evidence of whit is illogical and impossible to try and separate that nature and nurture influences on behaviour. Rendering a separation of the side of the debate meaningless.
