Section 1.1

What is the nature v. nurture debate

The nature vs. nurture debate explores whether human traits and behaviors are primarily determined by genetics (nature) or environmental factors (nurture). It's a complex issue, and most experts now acknowledge that both nature and nurture interact and contribute to development. 

how does nature v nurture relate to psychology

explores the relative contributions of genetics (nature) and environment (nurture) to human behavior, personality, and development, acknowledging that both play a complex and interactive role. 

how does the evolutionary perspective explain behavior

The evolutionary perspective in psychology explains behavior through natural selection, suggesting that traits and behaviors developed because they enhanced survival and reproduction. For example, fears (like of snakes) may have evolved to help avoid danger, and social bonds may have formed to improve cooperation and survival. Essentially, human thoughts, emotions, and behaviors exist today because they were adaptive for our ancestors.

explain natural selection in the context of psychology

Natural selection in psychology explains how behaviors that increase survival and reproduction, like fear responses or social bonding, become more common over generations. For example, John Bowlby’s attachment theory suggests that infants evolved to form strong emotional bonds with caregivers because it increased their chances of survival.

explain survual of the fittest

how behaviors that enhance survival and reproduction are more likely to persist through generations. For example, individuals with strong problem-solving skills or social cooperation tendencies may have been more likely to survive and pass on these traits, shaping human intelligence and social behavior over time.

what is Eugenics

the controversial and unethical practice of attempting to improve the genetic quality of a human population by promoting reproduction among individuals with "desirable" traits and restricting reproduction among those with "undesirable" traits.

what is epigenetics

the study of how environmental factors can influence gene expression without changing the DNA sequence itself. It explains how experiences like stress, diet, or trauma can turn certain genes "on" or "off," affecting behavior and health.

what is Heritability

how much of the differences in a trait among individuals in a population can be attributed to genetic factors. It does not measure how much of a trait a person inherits but rather how much genetics influence variation in that trait within a group. For example, if the heritability of height is 80%, it means that 80% of the differences in height among people are due to genetics, while the remaining 20% is due to environment and lifestyle factors.

how can twin studies be used as evidence to support nature/nuture

used to understand the relative influence of nature (genetics) and nurture (environment) by comparing the similarities between identical (monozygotic) and fraternal (dizygotic) twins. Identical twins share 100% of their genes, while fraternal twins share only 50%. If identical twins show more similarities in traits (like intelligence, personality, or behavior) than fraternal twins, it suggests a stronger genetic influence (nature). However, if both sets of twins show similarities, it indicates the environment (nurture) also plays a significant role. By studying twins raised together and apart, researchers can better understand the interaction between genetic and environmental factors.

how can adoption studies be used as evidence to support nature/nuture

used to examine the influence of nature (genetics) and nurture (environment) by comparing the similarities between adopted children and their biological and adoptive parents. If an adopted child shares more traits (like personality, intelligence, or behavior) with their biological parents, it suggests that genetics (nature) play a significant role. If the child resembles their adoptive parents more, it points to the importance of the environment (nurture). By examining these patterns, researchers can better understand how genetic factors and environmental influences contribute to human behavior and traits.

how can family studies be used as evidence to support nature/nuture

Family studies are used to examine how traits are passed down through generations, helping to separate the effects of nature (genetics) and nurture (environment). By studying family members who share varying degrees of genetic similarity, researchers can assess whether a trait or behavior is more common in relatives who are genetically closer (like siblings or parents), suggesting a genetic influence. However, if certain traits are also seen in family members who are not closely related (e.g., cousins), it can point to the role of shared environmental factors. Family studies allow researchers to observe how both genetic inheritance and family environment contribute to traits and behaviors.