The nature-nurture debate

Question 1

Nature vs Nurture debate

Answer 1

Concerned with the extent to which aspects of behaviour are a product of inherited or acquired characteristics

Question 2

Nature

Answer 2

Nativists argue that human charcteristics are determined by hereditary, genes determine physical characteristics

Question 3

Hereditary

Answer 3

The genetic transmission of both mental and physical characteristics from one generation to another

Question 4

Nurture

Answer 4

Environmental influences written on a blank slate (Locke)
e.g. behaviourist approach, both pre- and postnatal levels

Question 5

Environment

Answer 5

Any influence one human behaviour that is non-genetic. This may range from potential influences in the womb through to cultural and historical influences at a societal level

Question 6

Interactionist approach

Answer 6

Cannot separate nature and nurture, relative contribution is what matters

Question 7

Diathesis stress model

Answer 7

Vulnerability + Trigger

Question 8

Epigenetics

Answer 8

Lifestyle and events switch genes on or off, permanent and can be passed on

Question 9

The nature-nurture debate evaluation points- Adoption studies

Answer 9

STRENGTH

Compare similarities between adopted child and (1) biological and (2) adoptive parents, genes account for 41% of variance

Question 10

The nature-nurture debate evaluation points- Adoption studies counterpoint

Answer 10

LIMITATION

Children create own environment appropriate to their nature (niche-picking, Plomin), aggressive child picks aggressive friends

Question 11

The nature-nurture debate evaluation points- Epigenetic

Answer 11

STRENGTH

Dutch Hunger Winter, pregnant mothers had low birth weight babies who were twice as likely to later develop SZ

Question 12

The nature-nurture debate evaluation points- Real-world application

Answer 12

STRENGTH

Genetic counselling for e.g. OCD understand the likelihood and how to prevent (manage stress)