8.3 Nature-Nurture Debate

• Charles Darwin's theory of evolution supports the Nature perspective by suggesting that traits are inherited
• What does the Nature perspective emphasize in psychology?

  Innate genetic factors
• The Nature perspective suggests that behavior is determined by innate genetic factors
• The Nurture perspective argues that environmental influences shape behavior.
• What does the Nurture perspective emphasize in psychology?

  Environmental influences
• Key figures in the Nature-Nurture debate include John Locke, Jean-Jacques Rousseau, and Francis Galton
• What research method is commonly used to study the Nature-Nurture debate?

  Twin studies
• It is easy to completely separate Nature and Nurture influences on behavior.

  False
• Order the historical figures in the Nature-Nurture debate based on their primary emphasis:

  1️⃣ John Locke (Nurture)

  2️⃣ Jean-Jacques Rousseau (Nature)

  3️⃣ Francis Galton (Nature)
• Match the influence with its perspective:

  Innate genetic factors ↔️ Nature

  Environmental factors ↔️ Nurture
• John Locke proposed that individuals are born as a blank slate, also known as Tabula Rasa
• Jean-Jacques Rousseau believed that humans are inherently good but corrupted by society.
• What did Francis Galton emphasize in the Nature-Nurture debate?

  Genetics
• Which historical figure supported the Nature perspective with the theory of evolution?

  Charles Darwin
• Which historical figure supported the Nature perspective with the theory of evolution?

  Charles Darwin
• John Locke argued for the Nurture perspective, proposing that the mind is a tabula rasa.
• Francis Galton's studies of twins and families explored the role of genetics in understanding individual differences.
• Match the historical figure with their perspective and key contribution:

  Charles Darwin ↔️ Nature ||| Theory of Evolution

  John Locke ↔️ Nurture ||| Tabula Rasa concept

  Francis Galton ↔️ Nature ||| Twin and family studies
• What is the central idea of the Nature perspective in psychology?

  Innate genetic factors
• In psychology, Nature refers to the influence of innate genetic factors in shaping an individual's characteristics.
• Nurture emphasizes the role of environmental influences such as education and culture in shaping behavior.
• What does the Nature perspective consider the primary determinant of an individual's traits?

  Innate genetic factors
• The Nurture perspective emphasizes the role of environmental influences in shaping an individual's characteristics.
• John Locke's tabula rasa concept aligns with the Nurture perspective.
• What occurs in gene-environment interactions?

  Synergistic effect on traits
• In a passive gene-environment interaction, genes and environment are correlated.
• Order the three types of gene-environment interactions based on their descriptions:

  1️⃣ Passive: Genes and environment correlate (e.g., intelligent parents provide genetics and enriched environments).

  2️⃣ Active: Individuals seek environments matching genetic predispositions (e.g., athletic people joining sports teams).

  3️⃣ Evocative: Genetic traits elicit environmental responses (e.g., a cheerful child receiving positive attention).
• What is one reason it is challenging to separate Nature and Nurture influences on behavior?

  Intertwined influences
• Gene-environment interactions demonstrate that genetic predispositions can be triggered or modified by environmental factors.
• One limitation of separating Nature and Nurture is their interconnectedness.
• What makes it difficult to isolate the individual contributions of Nature and Nurture?

  Complexity of interactions
• Twin and adoption studies have methodological limitations that can bias outcomes.
• Why is separating Nature and Nurture challenging in psychology?

  Their influences are intertwined
• Gene-environment interactions demonstrate that genetic predispositions can be triggered or modified by environmental factors
• Twin and adoption studies can completely eliminate environmental confounding factors in behavioral research.

  False
• What does the Interactionist Approach emphasize in understanding behavior?

  Genes and environment interact
• Epigenetics explores how environmental factors can alter gene expression
• Modern approaches to understanding behavior focus solely on either Nature or Nurture.

  False
• What does Nature refer to in the context of psychology?

  Innate genetic factors
• In psychology, Nurture emphasizes the role of environmental influences