Questions and Answers
What is the biological perspective?
What does the nature vs nurture debate refer to?
The roles of heredity and environment in human development.
How do twins relate to the biological perspective?
Identical twins should show greater similarity in traits than fraternal twins due to heredity.
What does the Nature Theory propose?
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Name abstract traits encoded in DNA according to proponents of nature.
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What do supporters of the nurture theory believe?
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Studies on ______ and ____ ______ provide crucial evidence for the nurture theory.
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What are the factors of nurture?
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What are the factors of nature?
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What argument does Noam Chomsky present about children?
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What is the Critical Period Hypothesis proposed by Eric Lenneberg?
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Study Notes
Biological Perspective
- Also known as biopsychology or physiological psychology, focuses on the physical basis for behavior and mental processes in both humans and animals.
- Examines thoughts, feelings, and behaviors through the lens of the nervous system's structure and function.
Nature vs Nurture
- "Nature" refers to genetic factors, while "nurture" pertains to environmental influences. The term originates from 13th century France.
Twins and Heredity
- If genetics significantly influence a trait, identical twins should demonstrate greater similarity in that trait compared to fraternal twins.
- Studies indicate that even when raised apart, identical twins share striking similarities, supporting the influence of genetics.
Nature Theory
- Asserts that abstract traits like intelligence, personality, and aggression are encoded in DNA.
- posits that differences in behavior arise from genetic predispositions or “animal instincts.”
Abstract Traits in Nature Theory
- Intelligence, personality, aggression, and sexual orientation are considered to be determined by genetic factors.
Nurture Theory
- Proposes that genetics play a marginal role, emphasizing environmental influences in shaping behavior and traits.
- John Watson's experiments demonstrated how fear responses could be conditioned, laying groundwork for behavioral science.
- Studies show identical twins are not identical in every aspect, suggesting environment impacts behavior.
Evidence for Nurture Theory
- Research on infant and child temperament provides critical support for the idea that environment shapes behavior.
Factors of Nurture
- Includes social influences and environmental conditions that affect individual development.
Factors of Nature
- Encompasses biological influences and familial relationships that contribute to individual traits.
Noam Chomsky
- Claims that children possess innate mental structures that aid in language comprehension from birth.
Eric Lenneberg
- Supports Chomsky’s theories but emphasizes a "Critical Period Hypothesis," indicating that language acquisition must occur by adolescence to preserve natural abilities.
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Description
Explore the biological perspective in psychology through flashcards. This field, also known as biopsychology, studies the physical basis of behavior in both humans and animals. Test your knowledge of key concepts and definitions related to this essential approach in psychology.
