Nature Vs Nurture

Question 1

Describe the nature vs nurture debate

Answer 1

~ concerned with the extent to which aspects of behaviour are innate (nature) or learnt (nurture)

Question 2

Describe the nature arguement in the nature vs nurture debate

Answer 2

• ## Argues human characteristics are innate and a result of heredity

Question 3

How can heredity of a trait be measured?

Answer 3

Hereditability coefficient; 0-1 value indicating extent a trait has a genetic basis (with 1 being entirely genetic)

Question 4

Describe the nurture argument for the nature vs nurture debate

Answer 4

• Argues human characteristics are acquired through environmental influences
• May be pre natal (mothers state in pregnancy) or post natal (e.g. social conditions, cultural and historical context)

Question 5

Define the interactionist approach

Answer 5

Idea that nature and nurture are closely linked, so researchers study how they interact and influence each other

Question 6

Describe the Diathesis stress model

Answer 6

Suggests psychopathology is caused by genetic vulnerability (diathesis) which is only expressed when coupled with a biological/environmental trigger (stressor) : both must be present

Question 7

Which research supports the Diathesis stress model?

Answer 7

Pikka Tienari et al –> found in a group of Finnish adoptees, those most likely to develop SZ had both family history and dysfunctional relationships w adoptive families

Question 8

Define epigenetic and give examples

Answer 8

Changes in our genetic activity without changing genetic code, caused by interactions with our environment
- can be lifestyle or events (smoking, war,) Which cause changes in genes
- May influence future offsprings genetic code

Question 9

What research supports epigenetics?

Answer 9

Brian Dias and Kerry Ressler
- gave mice a shock when exposed to smell of acetophenone; found even the mice’s children and grandchildren showed a fear response at the smell