Psychology: Nature vs. Nurture Theories

Theories of Nature vs. Nurture

• Plato proposed that character and intelligence are primarily influenced by nature.
• John Locke argued that the mind is a "blank slate" at birth, shaped by experience.
• René Descartes believed some ideas are innate and intrinsic to the mind.
• Charles Darwin's theory of natural selection emphasizes survival traits that enhance reproduction in specific environments.
• Evolutionary psychology examines human behavior through inherited biological traits and evolutionary history.
• Behavioral genetics explores individual differences stemming from genetics and environmental factors.

Pioneers in Psychology

• Mary Whiton Calkins was the first female president of the American Psychological Association (APA).
• Margaret Floy Washburn became the first woman to earn a Ph.D. in psychology and the second female president of the APA.

Positive Psychology Movement

• Martin Seligman focused on human flourishing and happiness, defining it as a byproduct of living a pleasant and meaningful life.

Research Strategies in Psychology

• Hindsight bias refers to the tendency to believe, after fact, that one would have predicted the outcome.
• Overconfidence is the belief that one knows more than they actually do.
• Theories serve to explain behaviors and events by organizing observations.
• Hypotheses are testable predictions based on theoretical constructs.
• Operational definitions specify measurable concepts (e.g., sleep deprivation defined as at least 2 hours less sleep).

Methodologies in Psychological Research

• Case studies allow in-depth examination of individuals or groups to uncover insights into behaviors.
• Neuroplasticity describes the brain's ability to reorganize itself and create new pathways, especially after injury, based on experiences.

Neuroscience Fundamentals

• Neurons are the basic building blocks of the nervous system, functioning as nerve cells.
• Functional Magnetic Resonance Imaging (fMRI) indicates brain activity by measuring blood flow changes.

Major Brain Regions and Structures

• The hindbrain includes the medulla, pons, and cerebellum, responsible for survival functions like breathing and coordination.
• The midbrain connects the hindbrain to the forebrain, managing some motor functions and sensory information processing.
• The forebrain contains the cerebral cortex, thalamus, and hypothalamus, overseeing complex cognitive tasks and sensory associations.

Brain Hemispheres and Communication

• The corpus callosum is a bundle of neural fibers connecting the two hemispheres, facilitating communication.
• Split-brain patients (due to surgery severing the corpus callosum) show how each hemisphere processes different information.
• Each eye receives sensory input from the opposite visual field, allowing hemispheric specialization.

Experiments and Observations

• The HEART experiment demonstrated functional segregation between visually processed information and the brain's hemispheres in patients with surgically separated corpus callosum.

Explore the pivotal theories surrounding nature versus nurture in psychology. This quiz covers the contributions of key figures such as Plato, John Locke, and Charles Darwin, as well as the principles of evolutionary psychology and behavioral genetics. Test your knowledge on the historical context and developments in the field of psychology.