nature-nurture debate

Question 1

Nature

Answer 1

Early nativists such as Rene Descartes argued that human characteristics and even some aspects of knowledge are innate.

Question 2

Heritability coefficient

Answer 2

numerical figure ranging from 0 to 1 which indicates the extent to which a characteristic has a genetic basis. General figure for heritability in IQ is around 0.5 across multiple studies in varying populations. Suggests that both genetic and environment are important factors in intelligence.

Question 3

Nurture

Answer 3

In contrast to Nature, John Locke argued that mind is blank slate at birth and learning and experiences occurs as a result of the environment.

Question 4

Interactionism

Answer 4

Heredity (nature) and the environment (nurture) have an influence on each other.

Question 5

Diathesis-stress model

Answer 5

An interactionist approach. Genes create a vulnerability and stressors in the environment trigger behaviours.

Question 6

Epigenetics

Answer 6

A change in our genetic activity without changing our genetic code, e.g. smoking.

Question 7

Diathesis stress model (study)

Answer 7

Tienari et al found that in a group of Finnish adoptees those most likely to develop schizophrenia had biological relatives with a history of the disorder and had relationships with their adoptive families that were defined as ‘dysfunctional’

Question 8

Epigenetics ~(study)

Answer 8

Dias and Ressler gave male lab mice electric shocks every time they were exposed to the smell of acetophenone. Mice showed a fear reaction as soon as the scent was presented.