Explain the nature vs nurture debate in psychology.

The nature debate argues that all behaviour is caused by our genetics.Rejects the idea that environmental factors such as upbringing and social settings have any influence on how humans behave. The biological approach supports this argument; e.g. the study by Casey concluded that one's ability to resist temptation (delay gratification) is innate and related to two specific brain regions. Brain regions and their activity in humans is determined by our genetics and so this study is supporting the nature argument.The nurture debate argues that all behaviour is caused by external influences like social settings, upbringing, culture etcThe social approach supports this argument; e.g. the study by Levine et al concludes that helping behaviour varies between individuals depending on what country/type of culture they are from. Where you grow up/the country you live in is an external influence on behaviour, so this studies conclusions support the nurture argument.

JH
Answered by JESSICA H. Psychology tutor

9451 Views

See similar Psychology A Level tutors

Related Psychology A Level answers

All answers ▸

What is the difference between determinism and reductionism?


What is the difference between a type 1 and a type 2 error in hypothesis testing?


What would you say is generally the ‘perfect’ model essay structure? E.g. theory mixed with evaluation or separately e.g theory first and evaluation after..?


Outline research into obedience (6 marks)


We're here to help

contact us iconContact ustelephone icon+44 (0) 203 773 6020
Facebook logoInstagram logoLinkedIn logo

MyTutor is part of the IXL family of brands:

© 2025 by IXL Learning