Nature vs Nurture

Question 1

Biological

Answer 1

Strongly on the nature side, it focuses on genetic inheritance, neurochemistry, and brain structure as determinants of behaviour. Evolutionary psychology within this approach also considers the role of natural selection.

• also phenotypes = environmental influence

Question 2

Behaviourist

Answer 2

• nuture
• learned from environment
• babies minds are blank slates
• associations and reinforcement

Question 3

SLT

Answer 3

SLT also stresses environmental learning, though it acknowledges that cognitive factors (potentially influenced by biology) play a role.
- Observation and imitation of role models, indirectly through vicarious reinforcement

Question 4

Cognitive

Answer 4

Interactionist, considering both nature and nurture. Cognitive processes are thought to have a biological basis, but experiences shape how individuals think and process information.

• born with simple motor schemas, more sophisticated with age

Question 5

Psychodynamic

Answer 5

Interactionist but leans toward nature. Freud believed in innate drives and instincts (like the sexual and aggressive drives). However, he also stressed the importance of early experiences (nurture) in personality development.

Question 6

Humanistic

Answer 6

Interactionist, acknowledging both nature and nurture. While individuals have an innate drive towards self-actualisation, their environment (such as conditions of worth and relationships) also influences development.