Psychology Nature vs. Nurture

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Questions and Answers

What does the 'tabula rasa' philosophy suggest about human behavior?

Humans have innate behavioral traits.

Humans are influenced primarily by their genetic makeup.

Humans acquire most of their traits from their environment. (correct)

Humans are predetermined by their cultural background.

Which of the following is NOT considered a social institution?

Government

Income (correct)

School

Family

According to the content, what does 'verstehen' refer to?

Physical environments shaping behavior

Mutual understanding among people (correct)

Social classifications within cultures

Shared economic goals among individuals

What do social systems encompass?

Networks and organizations that characterize society Signup and view all the answers

How do social institutions impact individual behavior?

They shape how individuals conduct themselves in society. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following describes the natural and technological environment?

Resources that sustain and reproduce society Signup and view all the answers

What is the principal focus of the 'Nature versus Nurture' debate?

The influence of genetics versus environmental experiences. Signup and view all the answers

What does the term 'lifeworld' refer to?

A shared space of common meanings among people Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary way in which children learn about their environment during the sensorimotor stage?

By using their senses Signup and view all the answers

Which environment significantly influences a child's self-identity through shared experiences?

Peer Group Signup and view all the answers

What does compliance indicate in terms of conformity?

Change in behavior due to approval Signup and view all the answers

What motivates compliance according to the content provided?

Fear of social consequences Signup and view all the answers

What is a consequence of a lack of apparent alternatives in group situations?

Stronger conformity Signup and view all the answers

At what stage do children begin to learn about proper conduct and academic knowledge?

School age Signup and view all the answers

Which factor contributes to compliance due to social pressure?

Fear of disapproval Signup and view all the answers

Which type of conformity involves continuing to behave in a certain way due to social expectations?

Compliance Signup and view all the answers

Which factor influences individuals to conform by adopting the beliefs of others?

Desire to be correct Signup and view all the answers

How does limited communication among group members impact their thinking?

It leads to rigid thinking. Signup and view all the answers

What motivates individuals to align their actions with group standards?

Desire to maintain good relationships Signup and view all the answers

What effect does a sense of powerlessness have on individuals' behavior?

It reduces their motivation to try anything new. Signup and view all the answers

What is a key factor that can change people's willingness to identify with others?

The attractiveness of the person they admire Signup and view all the answers

What leads to stagnation in group dynamics?

A sense of powerlessness among members Signup and view all the answers

What aspect of group norms influences decision-making processes?

Consensus required before action Signup and view all the answers

Which statement best describes internalization in the context of group influence?

It involves adopting values due to social pressure. Signup and view all the answers

Which factor contributes to an individual's likelihood of adopting deviant behavior according to the discussed theory?

Observing deviant acts in life Signup and view all the answers

What does Control Theory emphasize regarding deviant behavior?

It arises from weak bonds to societal norms. Signup and view all the answers

In what context might deviance be viewed differently?

According to the cultural norms of different societies Signup and view all the answers

What are the inner controls in the context of Control Theory?

Morality and internalized values Signup and view all the answers

What is a significant motivational reason for conformity mentioned in the content?

Pressure from the group to conform Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is an example of how deviant behavior can be learned?

By observing a family member's abusive actions Signup and view all the answers

What role does the social audience play in defining deviance?

It determines the acceptability of actions. Signup and view all the answers

What would likely decrease an individual's deviant behavior according to Control Theory?

Stronger social bonds to others Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary outcome of consensus in a group decision-making process?

Members feel obligated to commit to a decision. Signup and view all the answers

Which theorist is associated with the concept of the Looking Glass-Self in socialization?

Charles Horton Cooley Signup and view all the answers

What do values generally refer to in the context of societal norms?

Abstract concepts representing what is essential and worthwhile. Signup and view all the answers

How is deviance defined in a social context?

Activities that members of a group view as violating norms. Signup and view all the answers

Which developmental theory is associated with the concept of reasoning in children?

Development of Reasoning by Jean Piaget Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Nature vs. Nurture

The 'Nature vs. Nurture' debate explores the relative influence of innate attributes (nature) versus environmental experiences (nurture) on individual behavior.
"Tabula rasa" - Latin for “blank slate” - argues that humans acquire all or most of their behavioral traits from their environment.

Socialization and Development

The Looking Glass-Self (Charles Horton Cooley): Individuals develop their self-concept based on how they believe others perceive them.
Role Taking (George Herbert Mead): Individuals learn to take on the roles of others and understand social expectations.
Development of Reasoning (Jean Piaget): Individuals progress through stages of cognitive development, impacting their thinking and problem-solving abilities.
Development of Personality (Sigmund Freud): Childhood experiences shape personality development and influence later behaviors.
Development of Personality (Lawrence Kohlberg): Individuals develop their moral reasoning through stages, influencing their ethical decision-making.

Social Norms: Expected patterns of behavior within a group.
Social Institutions: Enduring organizations that influence social conduct (e.g., family, school, church, government).
Social Systems: Networks of social groups, organizations, and institutions that characterize society on a large scale (e.g., economic, political, cultural systems).
The Natural and Technological Environment: Includes natural resources and technological advancements that shape societies.

Culture

"Verstehen" (Max Weber): Mutual understanding and shared meanings within a society.
"Lifeworld" - a shared space where people share common interpretations and understandings of life.
Socialization: The process through which individuals learn and internalize the values, beliefs, and behaviors of their society.

Conformity

Conformity: The act of aligning one's behavior or beliefs with those of a group, often due to real or perceived pressure.
Types of Conformity:
- Compliance: Acting in a socially acceptable manner to gain rewards or avoid punishment.
- Identification: Conforming to fit in with a group/person (e.g., adopting their opinions/values).
- Internalization: Accepting a group's beliefs/ ideas because you believe they are right.
Factors Influencing Conformity:
- Desire for acceptance
- Group goals
- Personal goals
- Social pressure
- Belief in the group's success

Deviance

Deviance: Any behavior that violates established social norms.
Factors Contributing to Deviance:
- Socialization with deviant behavior
- Weak social bonds to society

Control Theories

Control Theory (Walter Reckless & Travis Hirschi): Deviance results from weak bonds between individuals and society.
- Inner Controls: Internalized morality and values that prevent deviant behavior.
- Outer Controls: External factors like laws, social sanctions, and social bonds that control deviant behavior.

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Description

Explore the 'Nature vs. Nurture' debate and its impact on individual behavior and development. Delve into theories by Cooley, Mead, Piaget, Freud, and Kohlberg that illustrate how socialization influences personality and moral reasoning. Test your knowledge on these essential psychological concepts.