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Assess the role of both nature and nurture in psychology. - AQA - A-Level Psychology - Question 6 - 2019 - Paper 3
Question 6
Assess the role of both nature and nurture in psychology.
Worked Solution & Example Answer:Assess the role of both nature and nurture in psychology. - AQA - A-Level Psychology - Question 6 - 2019 - Paper 3
Step 1
Assess the role of nature in psychology.
Answer
Nature refers to internal influences that affect the development of an individual. One significant aspect is the genetic makeup, as exemplified by how the genotype influences psychological characteristics, such as those seen in schizophrenia. For instance, schizophrenia can be treated with nature-based methods like drugs, which target the underlying biological mechanisms, exemplified by the use of chlorpromazine.
Additionally, biological factors such as the stimulation of the dopamine reward pathway can contribute to drug addiction, thus illustrating the significant role of nature in aggressive behaviors as lack of activity in certain brain regions can lead to increased aggression.
Step 2
Assess the role of nurture in psychology.
Answer
Nurture encompasses the external influences that shape an individual's development, including pre-birth factors, socio-economic status, and environmental interactions. For instance, the experiences during childhood, like exposure to drugs and environmental stressors, can play a critical role in shaping an individual's psychological outcomes.
Social factors, including class and ethnicity, can also influence conditions such as schizophrenia. Research has demonstrated that individuals from different social classes exhibit varying levels of mental health issues, suggesting that nurture plays a vital role. Studies have indicated that behaviors observed in children can be influenced by the actions of others, as seen in Bandura's observational learning framework, highlighting how social environments can shape behavior.
Step 3
Discuss the interaction between nature and nurture.
Answer
The interplay between nature and nurture is essential in understanding psychological outcomes. Research suggests that the hereditary factors inherited may contribute to predispositions for certain behaviors, but these can be modified by nurture through social and environmental contexts. For example, research led by Gottesmam and Shields highlights the genetic predisposition toward schizophrenia but paired this with the recognition of environmental influences.
Moreover, studies indicate that aggressive behaviors can arise through a combination of biological predispositions and learned interactions in one's environment. This synthesis demonstrates that both nature and nurture continuously interact, influencing an individual’s behavior and psychological state.