Questions and Answers
What does the nature/nurture debate primarily concern?
What is the nature argument in the nature/nurture debate?
The nature argument upholds that behavior is predisposed in a person's DNA and influenced by genetic inheritance.
What is the nurture argument in the nature/nurture debate?
Nurture is the influence of external factors after conception, such as exposure, experience, and learning.
Which research study is associated with the nature perspective?
Signup and view all the answers
According to the nurture perspective, how are behaviors acquired?
Signup and view all the answers
The debate suggests that at birth, the human mind is a __________.
Signup and view all the answers
What is a strength of the nature debate?
Signup and view all the answers
What is a limitation of the nature debate?
Signup and view all the answers
Define the nature/nurture debate.
Signup and view all the answers
Study Notes
Principles and Concepts of the Nature/Nurture Debate
- The debate revolves around the influence of inherited (genetic) versus acquired (learned) characteristics on behavior.
Different Positions in the Nature/Nurture Debate
-
Nature Perspective:
- Asserts that behaviors are pre-determined by DNA and influenced by biological factors.
- Suggests human characteristics are shaped by evolution, with individual variations linked to unique genetic codes.
- Earlier-developing abilities are likely more genetically influenced.
- Emergent characteristics not observable at birth are seen as products of biological maturation.
-
Nurture Perspective:
- Emphasizes the role of external factors, such as exposure and environment, after conception.
- Views the mind at birth as a blank slate, gradually filled by experiences and environmental interactions.
- Indicates that psychological characteristics are formed through upbringing, impacting child development.
Research Illustrating the Nature/Nurture Debate
-
Nature Research Examples:
- Sperry (split brain study)
- Casey (delay of gratification)
- Baron Cohen (autism in adults)
-
Nurture Research Examples:
- Bandura (transmission of aggression)
- Chaney (Funhaler study)
-
Both Perspectives Research Examples:
- Kohlberg (moral development)
- Lee (lying and truth-telling)
- Maguire (taxi driver study)
- Blakemore and Cooper (kittens)
- Freud (Little Hans)
- Gould (Bias in IQ testing)
Exam Questions on the Nature/Nurture Debate
- Nurture's view suggests manipulating environments to enhance learning, acknowledging varied developmental experiences among children.
- Nature's perspective posits that all children should develop uniformly, regardless of experience, leading to deterministic views on behavior.
Discussing the Nature/Nurture Debate
- The debate explores whether behavior is determined by genetics (nature) or upbringing (nurture).
- Nature argues that behaviors are set by genetic factors, while nurture emphasizes environmental influence.
Strength of Nature Debate Linked to Core Study
- Understanding inherited behaviors aids interventions.
- Casey's study links brain regions to delaying gratification, suggesting potential enhancements in brain function to improve behavioral outcomes.
- This perspective enhances cooperation in interventions but raises questions about responsibility for behavior.
Weakness of Nature Debate Linked to Core Study
- Content not provided in original text for summary.*
Studying That Suits You
Use AI to generate personalized quizzes and flashcards to suit your learning preferences.
Description
Explore the complexities of the Nature/Nurture debate in psychology. This quiz covers key concepts such as genetic influences and environmental factors shaping behavior, as well as the different perspectives on human development. Delve into the arguments and research behind these fundamental ideas.
