Questions and Answers
What do Tiger and Fox argue in the nature vs nurture debate?
What are biological imperatives?
They are necessary actions animals must take to survive and reproduce.
What did Bouchard's twin studies reveal?
Identical twins raised apart exhibit strikingly similar mannerisms and preferences.
What is Oakley's argument in the nurture theory?
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Feral children demonstrate that behavior is primarily instinctive.
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Who was Isabel the 'chicken girl'?
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Study Notes
Nature vs Nurture Debate
- The nature theory posits that genetics and biology are the primary forces shaping individuals, as argued by Tiger and Fox.
- Biological imperatives are survival instincts inherent in all animals, including humans, which dictate behaviors like eating and sleeping, implying limited free will according to nature theorists.
Bouchard's Twin Studies
- Bouchard studied identical twins separated at birth, such as Oskar and Jack, raised in different environments but exhibiting strikingly similar traits and preferences.
- Findings from these studies bolster the nature argument, suggesting that genetics can strongly influence personality and choices.
Nurture Theory
- Oakley, a feminist scholar, advocates for the nurture perspective, emphasizing that social experiences and interactions shape identity and behavior significantly.
Feral Children
- Feral children serve as critical evidence for the nurture theory, demonstrating how lack of socialization impacts development—e.g., Oxana Malaya, raised by dogs, displayed non-human behaviors.
- Nature theorists assert that feral children should behave like typical humans due to instinct, but many remain damaged and unable to adapt to cultural norms.
Case Study: Isabel the 'Chicken Girl'
- Isabel, discovered at age 10 in a chicken coop, was unable to speak and imitated hen behaviors, reinforcing the nurture argument about the effects of extreme isolation and lack of socialization on development.
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Description
Explore the key concepts of the nature versus nurture debate in sociology. This quiz focuses on different theories, including biological imperatives, and how genetics influence human behavior. Test your understanding of the foundational arguments and perspectives on the topic.
