Nature V Nurture

Question 1

What is meant by the nature nurture debate?

Answer 1

A debate which explores the extent to which human behaviour is determined by innate biological factors or, external environmental factors.

Question 2

What does the nature side of the debate argue?

Answer 2

Human behaviour + characteristics are innate and the result of heredity.

Question 3

What is meant by heredity?

Answer 3

The passing down of characteristics from generation to the next.

Question 4

What does the nurture side of the debate argue?

Answer 4

The mind is a blank slate at birth upon which experience and learning determine characteristics and behaviour.

Question 5

What does Descartes argue?

Answer 5

The mind is born with innate knowledge.

Question 6

What are the different levels of the environment?

Answer 6

1. Prenatal - before birth
2. Postnatal - after birth

Question 7

What is meant by epigenetics?

Answer 7

A change in our genetic activity without changing the genes themselves - this is caused by an interaction with the environment. These changes go on to affect the genetic codes of the next generation.

Question 8

Give an example of epigenetics.

Answer 8

Smoking can leave marks on our DNA and so can change the way your genes are expressed.

Question 9

What does Locke argue?

Answer 9

Empiricism - knowledge is acquired through learning + experience.

Question 10

Give 3 examples of the nature side of the debate.

Answer 10

1. Genetic explanation for OCD
2. Bowlby’s monotropic theory
3. Genetic explanation for schizophrenia

Question 11

Give 3 examples of the nurture side of the debate.

Answer 11

1. Learning theory of attachment
2. Behaviourist explanations of phobias
3. SLT

Question 12

What does the interactionist approach propose?

Answer 12

Nature and nurture interact - genes and environment interact.

Question 13

What is an example of the interactionist approach?

Answer 13

The diathesis stress model - behaviour is caused by a genetic vulnerability which is expressed when paired with an environmental trigger e.g stress.

Question 14

Give an example of the diathesis stress model.

Answer 14

A child may inherit a genetic vulnerability to schizophrenia from their parent however, a stressful life event may trigger the activation of a SZ gene leading to SZ episode.

Question 15

What are two strengths of the nature nurture debate?

Answer 15

1. The two cannot be separated.
   Evidence shows monozygotic twins don’t have 100% concordance rate.
   Shows mz twins experience life events differently and give them different meanings.
   Therefore, heredity + environment cannot be separated.
2. Practical applications for both sides.
   Drug therapies - nature
   Interventions for criminal behaviours - nurture.
   Shows debate can improve quality of life.
   Therefore, debate used in everyday life.

Question 16

What is one limitation of the nature nurture debate?

Answer 16

1. Nurture side ignores epigenetics.
   Behaviour shaping selectively reinforces desirable behaviours.
   Techniques may be used to control and manipulate individuals.
   Therefore suggests humans have no control over their behaviours.