The Nature-Nurture Debate

The nature-nurture debate asks whether behaviour is primarily the result of biological inheritance (nature) or environmental influences (nurture). This is one of the most enduring debates in psychology. Modern psychology has largely moved beyond the either/or dichotomy towards an interactionist position, recognising that nature and nurture work together.

Key Definition: Nature refers to the influence of genes, evolution, and biological factors on behaviour and psychological characteristics.

Key Definition: Nurture refers to the influence of experience, learning, socialisation, and culture on behaviour and psychological characteristics.

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The Nature Position

Biological Factors

The nature position holds that behaviour is determined by inherited biological factors:

• Genes: Our DNA provides the blueprint for physical development and influences psychological characteristics. Behavioural genetics uses twin and adoption studies to estimate heritability.
• Evolution: Evolutionary psychology argues that behaviours that promoted survival and reproduction were naturally selected over thousands of generations (e.g., attachment behaviours, aggression, mate preferences).
• Neurochemistry and hormones: Brain chemistry (e.g., serotonin, dopamine) and hormones (e.g., testosterone, cortisol) influence mood, behaviour, and mental health.

Twin Studies and Concordance Rates