Nature VS Nurture

Question 1

What is meant by the ‘nature-nurture debate’ in psychology?

Answer 1

The question of whether characteristics, such as personality, intelligence, abnormality, etc., are
caused byinnate influences (nature) or are the result of learning/ environmental influences (nurture).

Question 2

A01 - Nature Vs Nurture

Answer 2

Nature:
The claim that characteristics, such as personality, intelligence, abnormality, etc., are caused by
innateinfluences. The process of passing on traits via genes is known as heredity.

Nurture:
-is generally taken as the influence of external factors after conception.
- This approach is
known as empiricist e.g., the product of exposure, life experiences and learning on an individual.
Behaviourism is an example: Locke’s believed the mind is a ‘tabula rasa’ or blank slate on which experiences are to be written

Question 3

A03 -

Answer 3

Constructivism
The notion that genes and environment interact is elaborated by constructivism.
-People create their own nurture by actively selecting environments that are appropriate for their nature;.

-Thus, a naturally aggressive child is likely to feel more comfortable around children who show similar behaviours and will choose their environment accordingly.
-This environment then affects
their development.

-Plomin (1994) refers to this as niche-picking and niche-building -further evidence that it is impossible andillogical to try to separate nature and nurture influences on the
child behaviour.
-Thus, questioning a hard stance for either nature or nurture.