nature v nurture

• brain development

  • growth of brain and formation of connections between neurones
  • measure brain development by:

  -brain size

  -number of neurones

  -level of functioning
• nature

  • genetic factors

  nurture genes and enviro interact

  • environmental factors to influence brain development
• methods for investigating nature v nurture

  1)animal experiments

  • study effects of different environments on the same species, these have similar genes
  • genetic modifications can switch off functions of certain genes and can allow genetic factors to be studied
• methods of investigating nature v nurture

  2)twin studies

  • share 100% or 50% DNA
  • identical twins usually share the same environment
  • non-identical twins raised in similar environments used as a control when studying identical twins

  -cancels out effects of the environment so observable characteristics due to nature/genetics
• twin studies continued

  • traits common in MZ and no DZ twins=genetic factors
  • traits showing little difference between MZ and DZ twins=environmental factors
• cross-cultural studies

  • different cultures=different environmental influences
  • differences due to nurture and similarities more likely due to nature
• newborn studies

  • level of brain development babies are born with due to nature not nurture
• brain damage studies

  • scientists choose patients with particular characteristics and compare in children with brain damage and without brain damage
  • if born with brain damage-showing development of that characteristic is more likely nurture than nature