The nature-nurture debate

Question 1

What is this debate centred around?

Answer 1

The view that our behaviour is genetically pre-programmed or the view that we are the result of our environmental influences

Question 2

What is the interactionist perspective on this debate?

Answer 2

Both genetics and the environment influence behaviour, so neither extreme view is valid

Question 3

Define nature

Answer 3

Inherent characteristics/essence of a person

Question 4

Define nativism

Answer 4

Concepts, mental capacities, and mental structures are innate rather than acquired by learning

Question 5

What does hereditary mean?

Answer 5

A characteristic is passed down from parents and anscestors

Question 6

What is nurture?

Answer 6

Behaviour is taught and determined by upbringing. All environmental factors impact who we are

Question 7

Define empiricism

Answer 7

All knowledge is based on experience derived from the senses

Question 8

What is the humanistic view on this debate?

Answer 8

Everybody is unique and has free will, and behaviour is not determined by genetics or external factors. People are subjective. (Maslow and Roger)

Question 9

What is QTL?

Answer 9

( Quantitative trait loci) An alternative approach to the nature side of the nature-nurture debate which looks for multiple genes combining to affect behaviour and rejects the OGOD (one gene one disorder) approach as being reductionist

Question 10

What stance within relationships is nativist? How could this be countered?

Answer 10

The evolutionary approach

There are cultural differences found within what is regarded as attractive

Question 11

What theory within schizophrenia suggests nurture?

Answer 11

Family dysfunction