Nature Nurture - Evaluations (Interactionist Approach) Flashcards
What is the interactionist approach, and how does it view the roles of nature and nurture in shaping human behavior?
The interactionist approach views the roles of nature and nurture as working together to shape human behavior. Instead of supporting extreme nativist or environmentalist views, it suggests that both heredity (nature) and the environment (nurture) are essential for almost all behavior.
Provide an example that illustrates the interactionist approach.
The example of the genetic disorder PKU (phenylketonuria) illustrates the interactionist approach. PKU is caused by the inheritance of two recessive genes, and while the genetic disorder is present (nature), it is not expressed due to an altered environment (low protein diet – nurture).
What does the diathesis-stress model propose regarding the development of psychological disorders?
The diathesis-stress model proposes that both a genetic predisposition (diathesis) and an appropriate environmental trigger (stressor) are required for a psychological disorder to develop. It suggests that the biological vulnerability, such as being born with a gene predisposing one to a disorder, alone is not sufficient for the disorder to manifest; an environmental stressor is needed as well.
How does the Finnish Adoption Study provide evidence for the diathesis-stress model?
The Finnish Adoption Study compared adopted children whose biological mothers had schizophrenia with a matched group of children with no family history of schizophrenia. The study found that the occurrence of schizophrenia was associated with both genetic vulnerability and a disturbed family environment. When the family environment was rated as ‘healthy,’ even in the high-risk sample, the occurrence of schizophrenia was well below the general population rates.
Explain the concept of neural plasticity and provide an example.
Neural plasticity refers to the brain’s ability to reorganize itself by forming new neural connections throughout life. An example from the passage is the study by Maguire et al. (2000), which investigated the hippocampi volume of London taxi drivers’ brains. The study found that the hippocampus, especially the right hippocampus, was larger in taxi drivers compared to non-taxi drivers, suggesting that the act of driving a taxi (nurture) had an effect on the size of the hippocampi (nature).
What are the three types of gene-environment interactions described by Plomin et al. (1977)?
- Passive gene-environment interaction
- Evocative gene-environment interaction
- Active gene-environment interaction
Define passive gene-environment interaction, and give an example.
When parents pass on genes and provide an environment that influences the child’s development. For example, highly intelligent parents passing on genes for intelligence and providing high levels of cognitive stimulation and education.
Define evocative gene-environment interaction, and give an example.
Where heritable traits influence the reactions of others and, consequently, the environment provided by others. For example, a shy child’s genetic influence may make them less fun to other children, affecting how others interact with them and potentially making the child more socially withdrawn.
Define active gene-environment interaction, and give an example.
Where a child’s heritable traits influence their choice of environment. For example, an aggressive child may choose to watch violent films and engage in contact sports, known as ‘niche-picking.’
