Debates - Nature VS Nurture Flashcards
(11 cards)
Define the nature-nurture debate.
The nature-nurture debate explores whether human behaviour is more influenced by nature (biological factors like genetics and hormones) or nurture (environmental factors like upbringing and learning).
Outline the nature perspective in Psychology (with examples).
The nature perspective argues that biological factors are most important in explaining behaviour.
Examples include:
• Underactive MAOA gene linked to aggression
• High dopamine linked to schizophrenia
• Brain abnormalities (e.g., worry circuit) linked to OCD
Give a strength of the nature perspective.
Twin studies show higher concordance rates for psychological disorders in MZ twins (100% shared genes) than DZ twins (50%). This suggests genetics play a key role in behaviour, adding credibility to the nature argument.
Give a limitation of the nature perspective.
MZ twins may experience more similar environments (e.g., same sex, treated similarly), which could explain higher concordance rates. This means findings may reflect nurture, not nature, weakening the biological explanation.
Outline the nurture perspective in Psychology (with examples).
The nurture perspective emphasizes environmental influences such as learning and upbringing.
Examples include:
• Phobias learned via classical and operant conditioning
• Dysfunctional families contributing to schizophrenia
• Aggression learned via observation (e.g., Bandura’s bobo doll study)
Give a strength of the nurture perspective.
Bandura’s bobo doll study showed children who observed aggressive role models acted more aggressively themselves. This supports the idea that behaviour like aggression is learned through environmental influence.
Give a limitation of the nurture perspective.
Bandura also found that boys were more aggressive than girls regardless of model. This may be explained by biological differences (e.g., testosterone), suggesting nature, not just nurture, influences aggression.
Outline the interactionist perspective in Psychology (with examples).
The interactionist approach argues that both nature and nurture work together to shape behaviour.
Example: The diathesis-stress model of schizophrenia—genetic predisposition (nature) combined with environmental stress (nurture) triggers the disorder.
Give a strength of the interactionist approach.
Sleep/wake cycle research shows nature (melatonin production from biological clocks) interacts with nurture (light as an external cue). This supports the idea that both influence behaviour in combination.
Give a limitation of the interactionist approach.
Some behaviours may not involve interaction—e.g., some phobias may be entirely learned (nurture), while others may be innate due to evolution (nature). This challenges the assumption that nature and nurture always interact equally.
Discuss the nature-nurture debate in Psychology.
The debate centres on whether human behaviour is shaped more by genetics/biology (nature) or by learning/environment (nurture). There is evidence supporting both sides, but most psychologists now support an interactionist approach.
Nature evidence: Twin studies, neurochemistry.
Nurture evidence: Learning theory, social learning.
Interactionist evidence: Diathesis-stress model, sleep cycle.
