Nature Nurture Debate

Question 1

Outline- nature v nurture debate

Answer 1

• are behaviours a product of inherited or acquired characteristics

Question 2

Outline- nature argument

Answer 2

• the general figure for hereditary in IQ is around 0.5 across multiple studies in varying populations (plomin 1994).
• suggests that both genetics and the environment are important factors in intelligence

Question 3

Outline- nurture argument

Answer 3

Lerner (1989)

• different levels of environment
• starts with pre-natal as in the mothers physical and psychological state determining the child’s development.

Question 4

Outline- interactionist approach

Answer 4

The idea that nature and nurture are linked to such an extent that it doesn’t make sense to separate the two.

Question 5

Outline- diathesis stress model

Answer 5

Tienari et al (2004)

- suggests that biological vulnerability is only shown with the stress caused by environmental factors.

Question 6

Outline- Epigenetics

Answer 6

Refers to the change in our genetic code as a result of environmental factors such as smoking.

Question 7

Evaluation- limitation- biological determinism (nature)

Answer 7

People believe in nature over nurture has links to the belief that there’s a link between race and intelligence which is not well received.

Question 8

Evaluation- constructivism

Answer 8

Constructivism- where people who have a particular nature will go to environments that match their nature. (E.g. Aggressive kids hanging out with other aggressive kids)
-so it’s impossible to separate nature and nurture.