Nature vs Nurture - ISSUES & DEBATES

Question 1

what are the two arguments involved in the nature side

Answer 1

genotype

evolution

Question 2

genotype argument (nature)

Answer 2

inherited genetic information determines who we are

Question 3

example of genotype (nature) argument

Answer 3

high SERT and low COMT activity leads to OCD

Question 4

evolution argument (nature)

Answer 4

adaptive pressures from natural selection are behind all of our characteristics

Question 5

example of evolution (nature) argument

Answer 5

the fear of snakes/spiders come from a generational base fear

Question 6

what are the three arguments for nurture side

Answer 6

behaviourism/ tabula rasa
social learning theory (SLT)
environment

Question 7

behaviourism/ tabula rasa argument (nurture)

Answer 7

we’re 100% shaped by experience (e.g. Skinner)

Question 8

example of behaviourism/ tabula rasa (nurture) argument

Answer 8

phobias must have an original trauma

Question 9

SLT argument (nurture)

Answer 9

our behaviour is learned and reinforced vicariously through observation of role models (e.g. Bandura)

Question 10

example of SLT (nurture) argument

Answer 10

phobics may learn extreme fear from parents

Question 11

environment argument (nurture)

Answer 11

our friends/ families/ school causes behaviourism outcomes (e.g. Beck’s “negative triad”)

Question 12

example of environment (nurture) argument

Answer 12

repeated failure can lead to withdrawal and hopelessness