Nature/Nurture debate B1

• What is the nature/nurture debate in psychology?


  It refers to the influences on human behaviour, either genetic inheritance (nature) or external influences (nurture).
• What does 'nature' refer to in the context of the nature/nurture debate?


  Nature refers to genetic inheritance and other biological factors.
• What does 'nurture' refer to in the context of the nature/nurture debate?


  Nurture refers to external influences on development, such as the environment and social factors.
• Which physical characteristics are determined by genetic inheritance?


  Eye color, hair type, and skin pigmentation are examples.
• What characteristics are influenced by the genetic makeup of birth parents?


  Height, weight, life expectancy, and vulnerability to specific diseases.
• What is the debate regarding psychological characteristics in the nature/nurture context?


  Whether they are genetically wired before birth or influenced by the environment.
• What is Bowlby’s theory of attachment based on?


  It is based on the biological perspective of development (nature).
• What does Chomsky’s proposal about language development suggest?


  Language is developed through an innate language acquisition device.
• What does Bandura’s social learning theory emphasize?


  It emphasizes that children learn through imitation and role modeling (nurture).
• What is maturation in the context of human development?


  Maturation refers to characteristics and differences that emerge later in life.
• What is the assumption of the nature perspective regarding physical development?


  It assumes that all individuals have an inner biological clock that determines development rate.
• Who developed the maturation theory?

  Arnold Gesell.
• What methodology did Gesell use to research child development?


  He observed large numbers of children to establish norms or milestones.
• What conclusion did Gesell reach about child development?


  He concluded that development was predetermined with little environmental influence.
• How are milestones useful for educators and parents?


  They help measure children’s development and recognize developmental delays.
• What do critics of Gesell’s maturation theory argue?


  They argue it does not explain individual or cultural differences or learning difficulties.
• What is the importance of milestones in child development assessment?


  • Help professionals observe and assess development
  • Improve long-term developmental outcomes
  • Recognize individual differences influenced by environment
• What is the definition of nature in key terms?

  Nature is genetic inheritance and other biological factors.
• What is the definition of nurture in key terms?

  Nurture is the influence of external factors after conception, such as social and environmental factors.
• What is the definition of maturation?


  Maturation is a genetically programmed sequence of change.
• What is positive reinforcement?


  Positive reinforcement is when behavior is repeated due to personal satisfaction or reward.
• What is negative reinforcement?

  Negative reinforcement is when behavior is not repeated to avoid an adverse experience.
• What does diathesis refer to in key terms?


  Diathesis refers to a predisposition or vulnerability to mental disorder.
• What does Bandura's social learning theory explain?


  It explains learning through observing the behavior of others.
• What are the four stages of behavior learning according to Bandura?


  Noticing behavior, internalizing it, reproducing it, and responding to reinforcement.
• What experiment did Bandura use to demonstrate his theory?


  The Bobo doll experiment.
• What does the stress-diathesis model explain?


  It explains how stress interacts with genetic vulnerability to impact mental wellbeing.
• What is diathesis in the context of the stress-diathesis model?


  Diathesis refers to a genetic predisposition to a mental illness.
• How do nature and nurture interact in human development?


  • Hereditary and environmental factors influence development
  • Both factors interact to shape behavior and personality
  • Development is not solely determined by one factor
• What is the significance of discussing nature/nurture in small groups?


  It helps individuals reflect on their own characteristics and influences.