Nature vs Nurture

Question 1

What is nature?

Answer 1

Biological factors inherited at birth influence our behaviour

Question 2

What is a strength of nature?

Answer 2

1. Caspi et al (2003) - 5-HTT gene could influence likelihood of depression after stressful event
2. Explains why some do no develop mental illness

Question 3

Weaknesses of nature

Answer 3

Makes changing behaviour difficult bc we cannot alter genetics
- Caspi et al - even after treatment, another event could trigger relapse

Question 4

What is nurture?

Answer 4

Environmental factors such as uprbinging and education inlfuence behaviour

Question 5

Strengths of nurture.

Answer 5

1. Explains why CBT is effective
2. If we assume psychological problems can be learned, we can assume other healthy behaviours can be learned to replace them

Question 6

Weakness of nurture.

Answer 6

Some behaviours can’t be explained through nurture alone.