Nature - nurture debate - Philosophical origins

Question 1

What side of the debate is Descartes on?

Answer 1

Nature

Question 2

What did Descartes argue?

Answer 2

People are born with innate ideas.
These ideas form the basis of knowledge and understanding.

Innate knowledge is transmitted biologically through heredity.

Innate instead of experience

Question 3

What side of the debate was Locke on?

Answer 3

Nurture

Question 4

What did Locke argue?

Answer 4

Empiricist point of view.

Knowledge comes from experience/observation

We are born tabula rasa (blank slate)

All knowledge/understanding is gained through experience from the environment.

Question 5

Name 3 - Psychological theories that back up the nature perspective.

Answer 5

MAOA gene for aggression - the ‘warrior gene’ a variation of the MAOA gene (MAOA-L) is linked to aggressive behaviour.

Genetic basis for Schizophrenia - Schizophrenia is suggested to be (Hereditary) as people with a close genetic relative with schizophrenia are at increased risk of developing it. (Schizophrenic mother/twin studies)

Bowlby attachment theory - For survival babies are born with innate need to form an attachment to a primary caregiver. (The mother).

Question 6

Name 3 - Psychological theories that back up the nurture perspective.

Answer 6

Behaviourist theories of phobias - Phobias can be acquired through association. In traumatic experiences a neutral stimulus becomes associated with fear. (little Albert)
(Classical conditioning)

Social learning theory - (Gender identification) (effects of media on aggression). - Behaviours are learned through observing/imitating others. (role models).
(Albert Bandrua - bobo doll study - link to gender identification)

Cognitive theories - People acquire schemas
(Schemas are frameworks for understanding/interpreting info through learning/experience).