Nature - Nurture debate

Question 1

What is the nature nurture debate ?

Answer 1

The (EXTENT) to which behaviours are the influence of nature or nurture.

Nature - Biology - Genetics - Heredity

Nurture - Experiences - Learning - Environment

Question 2

How do behaviourists include (nature) in their theories ?

Answer 2

Biological elements

E.G. Primary reinforcers - Food - sex

In Pavlov’s dogs study the instinct to drool at food was not a learnt behaviour.
It was an innate reaction to the food. (Nature)

Humans/Animals learn associations and understand the consequences of their behaviour. (Nurture)

Secondary reinforcers become valued as they satisfy the primary reinforcer.

Question 3

How do biological psychologists include (Nurture) in their theories?

Answer 3

Learning

Recognise the interaction between biological processes and environmental factors.

E.G. - Accept early trauma/deprivation can impact brain development.

Understand Brain Plasticity - The brain physically adapting to responses from experiences and learning new information.