Nature vs Nurture debate

Question 1

What does the Nature Nurture Debate focus on

Answer 1

Idea that behaviours/characteristics are determined by genetics or environment

Question 2

Give examples of the influence of nature

Answer 2

Genetic explanations - Psychological disorders often have a genetic basis - OCD caused by low serotonin or high dopamine/SERT and COMT gene- Lewis - 37% of patients had parents with OCD
Evolutionary explanations - Attachment is adaptive/passed down (Bowlby) as it ensures survival

Question 3

Give examples of the influence of nurture

Answer 3

Behaviourism - Classical conditioning explaining attachment between mother and infant
Social learning theory - Behaviour being learned through observation, imitation, vicarious reinforcement and mediational processes.

Question 4

How can psychologists research whether something is caused by nature or nurture

Answer 4

Twin studies
Adoption studies
Family studies

Question 5

What is the interactionist approach

Answer 5

Both nature and nurture interact to shape human behaviour
E.g. Attachment is innate but attachment type depends on caregivers interaction with the child

Diathesis stress model - Biological vulnerability/basis + environment

Question 6

Evaluate the nature nurture debate

Answer 6

May lead to real world implications e.g. prejudice/stereotypes - having specific genes from specific backgrounds leads to low IQ

Twin studies highlight the need for interactionist approach - Nestadt - concordance rate of 68% for OCD - counter - Concordance rate is never 100%

Evidence to support interactionist approach - Taxi drivers have larger hippocampi volume compared to non taxi drivers - shows that through interactionist approach - brain can restructure and adapt through new experiences

Nature Nurture debate has lead to medical treatments through interactionist approach - condition in babies called PKU can be predicted early. Baby is then put on restrictive diet - Supports interactionist approach