nature-nurture

• what is the nature-nurture debate?

  relative contributions of genetic inheritance and environmental factors in determining behaviour
• define nature

  behaviour is result of innate, biological influences
• examples of nature

  • twin studies
  • schizophrenia
  • OCD
  • bowlby's monotropic theory
• define nurture

  behaviour is shaped by environmental factors

  • e.g. learning, culture and upbringing
• examples of nurture

  • behaviourist approach
  • social learning theory
  • learning theory of attachment
• outline interactionist approach

  nature and nurture interact to influence behaviour

  • work together
• key model: diathesis-stress model

  mental disorders result from interaction between genetic predisposition and environmental stressor
• strength of nature - twin studies

  supporting evidence

  • Gottesman - 48% concordance for MZ twins compared to 17% in DZ twins (schizophrenia)
  • suggests a genetic basis
  • inherited factors influence psychological traits
• weakness of nature - biologically reductionist

  oversimplify complex behaviours

  • reduces behaviour to genes, hormones or brain structure
  • ignores social, cognitive or emotional influences
  • lack validity as doesn't capture full complexity of human behaviour
• weakness of nature - deterministic

  biological determinism

  • not held morally responsible for actions
  • ethical and legal concerns
  • dangerous implications
• strength of nurture - strong support

  supported by learning theories

  • Bandura - children imitate observed behaviour
  • behaviour is learned through observation and imitation
  • environmental factors influence behaviour
• weakness of nurture - deterministic

  environmental determinism

  • overlooks individual agency and role of personal choice
  • learning theory doesn't explain why children form secure attachment despite adverse environment
  • oversimplifies human behaviour which limits validity
• strength of nurture- epigenetics

  environmental factors affect genetic expressions

  • stress, diet or trauma influence how genes are expressed
  • environment plays a direct role in shaping genetic activity
  • nuanced view of nuture interacts with nature