Nature vs Nurture

What is the nature-nurture debate?

Looks at genetics over development of behaviour

What is the nature side?

Suggests that our behaviour has a biological basis and all behaviour is caused by genetic predisposition

What is the nurture side?

Suggests our behaviour is the product of environment influences which are caused by our interactions with the environment

What are the strengths of the nature side?

Useful applications for treatments and medicines

Allows the use of scientific methods with provide unbiased data

Reductionist explanation so allows focus on one person

What are the weaknesses of the nature side?

Reductionist as only focuses on one thing

Research methods have low ecological validity as not realistic

Relies on scientific equipment

Raises ethical issues

What are the strengths of the nurture side?

Practical application allows for intervention strategies

Wide range of research methods so use of quantitative data

What are the weaknesses of the nurture side?

Reductionist-doesn’t take into account nature effect

Harder to establish cause and effect