The nature-nurture debate -A-Level Psychology
The nature-nurture debate
-concerned with the extent to which behaviour aspects of behaviour are a product of inherited or acquired characteristics
-Nativists argued that human characteristics are innate
-Empiricists argued that the mind is a blank slate and is shaped by the environment
-Heritability coefficient is used to assess heredity.Ranges from 0-1 ,indicates the extent to which a characteristic has a genetic basis.For IQ it is 0.5 across multiple studies,thus suggesting that both genetics and the environment are important factors in intelligence.
There are different levels of the environment in nurture:
-pre-natal terms,the mother’s physical and psychological state during pregnancy
-post natal experiences,the social conditions ,cultural context
Nature and nurture are so closely intertwined that it is hard to try to separate them.
The interactionist approach
Nature and nurture interact.For example,attachment patterns between an infant and its parents are often the result of the child’s innate temperament and its influence on the parent response
Diathesis-stress model
Suggests that psychopathology is caused by biological/genetic vulnerability(the diathesis)which is only expressed when coupled with a biological or environmental trigger(the stressor)
Epigenetics
Refers to a change in our genetic activity without changing our genetic code.Interactions with the environment leave epigenetic marks on our DNA which tell our body what genes to ignore and which to use which is then passed on.
Introduces a third element in the debate:the life experience of previous generations
Dias and Ressler gave male lab mice an electric shock every time they were exposed to the smell of a chemical.The mice showed a fear reaction as soon as the scent was present(conditioning).The mices children also feared the smell even though they hadn’t been exposed to the smell or given any shocks.
Evaluation:
Implications of nativism and empiricism-Nativists suggest that our genetic makeup determines our characteristics and behaviour.The extreme determists stance has led to controversy such as that which attempted to link race,genetics and intelligence and the application of eugenics policies.Empiricists would suggest that behaviour can be changed by altering environmental conditions.Behaviour shaping has led to practical application in therapy.Desirable behaviours are reinforced ,whereas undesirable ones are ignores or punished.This may lead one to advocate a model of society that controls and manipulates citizens using these techniques.
Constructivism-the notion that genes and the environment interact.People create their own nurture by actively selecting environments that are appropriate for their nature.
The nature-nurture debate is a long-standing debate in psychology that explores the relative contributions of genetic (nature) and environmental (nurture) factors in shaping human behavior, traits, and development.
There are several key theories related to the nature-nurture debate, including the genetic inheritance theory, behavior genetics, and interactionist approach. These theories propose different perspectives on the extent to which genetic and environmental factors influence human behavior.
Nature refers to the genetic and biological factors that contribute to human development. It includes genetic traits, hereditary characteristics, and physical attributes that are inherited from parents or ancestors.
Nurture refers to the environmental factors that influence human development. This includes experiences, upbringing, social and cultural influences, and environmental conditions that shape an individual’s behavior, beliefs, and values.
The nature-nurture debate does not have a definitive answer. Most psychologists believe that both nature and nurture interact to influence human behavior and development. The relative importance of each factor may vary depending on the specific trait or behavior being studied.
Examples of nature-nurture interactions in human behavior include intelligence, personality, mental health conditions, physical traits, and language development. These traits are influenced by a combination of genetic and environmental factors.
Psychologists study the nature-nurture debate through various research methods, including twin studies, adoption studies, family studies, and molecular genetics. These methods help researchers to understand the relative contributions of genetic and environmental factors in human behavior and development.
Ethical considerations in studying the nature-nurture debate include protecting the rights and privacy of research participants, avoiding bias and discrimination, ensuring informed consent, and considering the potential impacts of research findings on individuals and communities.
The nature-nurture debate has important implications in various fields, such as education, healthcare, psychology, and social policy. Understanding the contributions of nature and nurture can help inform interventions, policies, and practices that promote healthy human development and well-being.
As an A-Level Psychology student, you can critically evaluate the nature-nurture debate by considering the strengths and limitations of different theories, evaluating empirical research findings, examining real-world applications, and engaging in critical thinking and analysis. You can also consider alternative perspectives and engage in debates and discussions to form well-informed opinions on this complex topic.
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