anture and nurture

Nature vs. Nurture — AP Psychology Summary

The Core Debate

The nature vs. nurture debate asks:

To what extent are our behaviors, thoughts, and traits shaped by biology (nature) versus environment (nurture)?

AP Psychology expects you to know both sides and how modern psychology combines them.

Nature (Biological Influences)

Nature refers to traits we are born with.

Includes:

  • Genes & heredity

  • Brain structure

  • Neurotransmitters

  • Hormones

  • Temperament

  • Genetic predispositions

Examples:

  • Eye color

  • Height

  • Reflexes

  • Some mental disorders (schizophrenia risk, depression risk)

  • Temperament (easy vs difficult babies)

Key idea:

Biology sets limits and tendencies, not destiny.

Nurture (Environmental Influences)

Nurture refers to everything that happens after birth.

Includes:

  • Family upbringing

  • Culture

  • Education

  • Parenting style

  • Trauma or stress

  • Peer influence

  • Socioeconomic status

Examples:

  • Language learned

  • Manners and values

  • Fear responses

  • Academic skills

  • Attitudes and beliefs

Key idea:

Environment shapes how biological potential is expressed.

Modern View: Interaction, Not Opposition

AP Psychology does NOT want “nature OR nurture.”

Correct view:

Behavior results from the interaction between nature and nurture.

This is called interactionism.

Key Concepts You MUST Know

1. Heritability

  • Measures how much variation in a trait within a population is due to genetics

  • DOES NOT apply to individuals

Example:

  • High heritability of height does NOT mean environment doesn’t matter

2. Twin and Adoption Studies

Used to separate nature from nurture.

  • Identical twins share 100% of genes

  • Fraternal twins share ~50%

  • If identical twins raised apart are similar → nature

  • If adopted children resemble adoptive parents → nurture

3. Epigenetics (VERY IMPORTANT)

  • Environment can turn genes on or off

  • Stress, nutrition, trauma affect gene expression

  • Genes are not fixed instructions

AP loves this concept.

4. Temperament

  • Inborn emotional and behavioral style

  • Shows nature influence early in life

  • Can be shaped by parenting (nurture)

5. Critical Periods

  • Certain experiences must occur at specific times

  • Example: language acquisition in early childhood

  • Shows interaction of biology and environment

Common AP Exam Applications

Intelligence:

  • Nature → genetics

  • Nurture → education, stimulation

Personality:

  • Nature → temperament, brain chemistry

  • Nurture → parenting, culture

Mental Disorders:

  • Nature → genetic vulnerability

  • Nurture → stress, trauma

One-Sentence AP Exam Answer (USE THIS)

Most psychologists agree that behavior is the result of an interaction between genetic predispositions (nature) and environmental influences (nurture).

Quick Comparison Table

Nature

Nurture

Genes

Environment

Biology

Experience

Heredity

Learning

Brain chemistry

Culture

Temperament

Parenting

Memory Hook

  • Nature loads the gun

  • Nurture pulls the trigger

(Conceptual only — not literal.)