Nature/Nurture debate

Question 1

What is the nature debate?

Answer 1

Behaviour is determined by genetics (DNA), biological systems (neuroanatomy, neurochemicals) and behaviours are inheritable regardless of nurturing experiences

Question 2

What is the nurture side of the debate?

Answer 2

Behaviours are learned and developed from upbringing such as role-models (including media influence), parenting style, peers, reinforcement, etc

Question 3

What are two strengths of the nature debate?

Answer 3

• Hard biological determinism

- Usefulness: Practical applications such from biological interventions e.g surgery, neurotherapy, genetic counselling

Question 4

What are two weaknesses for the nature debate?

Answer 4

• Ignores the role of nurture to explain complex behaviour
• Not useful: reductionist as it simplifies complex behaviour using basic explanations. Often, a combination of both nature and nurture influence BEHAVIOUR (validity)

Question 5

What are two strengths of the nurture debate?

Answer 5

• Environmental determinism

- Usefulness: Practical applications in advising government policy such as education curriculum, parenting classes etc

Question 6

What are two weaknesses of the nurture debate?

Answer 6

• Ignores the role of nature to explain complex behaviour (validity)
• Not useful: Reductionist as it simplifies complex behaviour using basic explanations. Often, a combination of both nature and nurture influence behaviour (validity)