Issue And Debates - Nature Vs Nurture Flashcards
(14 cards)
What is the nature-nurture debate?
It’s about how much of our behaviour is caused by nature (biology, genes, heredity) vs nurture (experience, learning, environment). Most psychologists agree both play a role, but the debate focuses on their relative importance.
What do biological psychologists believe in the nature-nurture debate?
They focus on inherited genes (nature) but accept that environment impacts development. E.g., trauma affects brain development. They also recognise brain plasticity—how the brain adapts to learning and experiences.
How do behaviourists view the nature-nurture debate?
They are mainly nurture-based but include biological influences. They see behaviour as learned via reinforcement and associations. E.g., Pavlov’s dogs salivating to food was a natural reaction (biological), but behaviourists focus on learning.
What did René Descartes (nativist) argue?
He believed the mind had innate ideas from birth. He thought all knowledge stems from inborn ideas. Although DNA wasn’t known, he believed knowledge is passed biologically—supporting heredity/nature.
What did John Locke (empiricist) argue?
He said we are born as a “blank slate” (tabula rasa) and gain knowledge through experience. This supports the nurture view—learning and environment shape us.
What are 5 psychological theories closer to the nature side?
- Genetic explanation for OCD – faulty SERT gene affects serotonin.
- MAOA gene (aggression) – “warrior gene” linked to aggression.
- Schizophrenia genetics – inherited risk.
- Bowlby’s theory – attachment is an evolved need.
- Evolutionary theory – behaviours (e.g. aggression) evolved to aid survival.
What are 5 psychological theories closer to the nurture side?
- Cupboard love – babies attach to mothers for food.
- Ainsworth’s styles – attachment depends on how mothers respond.
- Behaviourist phobia theory – fears are learned via trauma.
- Social Learning Theory – learn by watching role models.
- Cognitive theories – schemas form through experience (e.g. CBT).
What is the interactionist approach in the nature-nurture debate?
It says nature and nurture interact. Genes and environment influence each other. E.g., diathesis-stress model: people inherit vulnerability (e.g. OCD), but it’s triggered by environmental stress.
Example of interactionism with aggression?
Aggression may be partly genetic (e.g. evolved traits in males) but also shaped by culture (e.g. gang norms). So nature (evolution) and nurture (society) interact to influence behaviour.
What does Freud say about nature and nurture?
Freud supports interactionism. He believed stages of development are biological, but personal experience (environment) shapes how we respond, affecting personality and anxiety.
What are concordance rates in twin studies?
They show how likely both twins have the same disorder. Higher in identical (MZ) twins than non-identical (DZ), showing a genetic link. But less than 100% = environmental role too.
E.g. Schizophrenia: MZ = 48%, DZ = 17% (Gottesman); OCD: 68% vs 31% (Nestadt).
What is the practical application of the nature-nurture debate in treatment?
A purely biological view of OCD led to SSRIs. But best treatment = SSRIs + CBT (both nature + nurture), showing the value of interactionist approaches.
What are the legal and mental health implications of the debate?
If behaviour is due to genes (nature), people may not be held responsible (e.g. aggression). But if due to environment (nurture), people may change behaviour through therapy—gives more control and reduces stigma.
What is epigenetic modification?
Genes have chemical markers (epigenome) that turn them on/off. These are influenced by experiences. E.g., stress/toxins may switch genes off, positive experiences may help switch them on—affecting brain development and behaviour. Even a parent’s experience can affect a child’s genes.
