Nature = behaviour is determined by innate factors such as genetics and
evolution.
Schiz: It is thought that the risk of schizophrenia increases in line w/ genetic
similarity to a relative w/ the disorder. Gottesman’s meta-analysis study found
as genetic similarity increases so does the probability of sharing schiz. identical
twins 48% whereas aunt 2%.
However MZ not 100% so evidence for nurture. Suggests nature and nurture
therefore must interact. This can be explained by the diathesis stress model
which suggests genetics could lead to increased vulnerability but its interaction
with the environment caused the gene to be switched on.
Epigenetics is change in our genetic activity due to our interaction with the
environment. Aspects of our lifestyle may leave ‘marks’ on DNA which can
switch genes on and off. Epigenetics therefore introduce a third element into
the debate: the life experience of previous generations.
Nurture = humans are born without any innate mechanisms and we are as we
are due to our experiences. Our behaviour is influenced by the environment.
Expressed emotion which is negative emotion expressed towards a person w/
schiz by their carer. This could include verbal criticism or hostility which is a
serious source of stress for many schizophrenic people. It can often explain
relapse rates and trigger the onset of schizophrenia of those already
vulnerable due to their genetic makeup (diathesis stress model).
Ao3 of nature nurture debate
A limitation of nature stance is it can be affected by nurture. Neural plasticity
shows how nature and nurture interact. The brain changes in its structure
(nature) as a result of life experience (nurture). Maguire et al (2000) showed
that taxi drivers had increased hippocampus volume after learning the
information required for the ‘knowledge test’. Supports role of plasticity in
brain functioning which suggests that experience creates physical changes in
the brain.
A totally nativist approach can lead to extreme determinism. This has led to
controversy such as linking ethnicity, genetics and intelligence and the
application of eugenic policies. A totally empiricist approach can lead to social
evolution.
Schiz: It is thought that the risk of schizophrenia increases in line w/ genetic
similarity to a relative w/ the disorder. Gottesman’s meta-analysis study found
as genetic similarity increases so does the probability of sharing schiz. identical
twins 48% whereas aunt 2%.
However MZ not 100% so evidence for nurture. Suggests nature and nurture
therefore must interact. This can be explained by the diathesis stress model
which suggests genetics could lead to increased vulnerability but its interaction
with the environment caused the gene to be switched on.
Epigenetics is change in our genetic activity due to our interaction with the
environment. Aspects of our lifestyle may leave ‘marks’ on DNA which can
switch genes on and off. Epigenetics therefore introduce a third element into
the debate: the life experience of previous generations.
Nurture = humans are born without any innate mechanisms and we are as we
are due to our experiences. Our behaviour is influenced by the environment.
Expressed emotion which is negative emotion expressed towards a person w/
schiz by their carer. This could include verbal criticism or hostility which is a
serious source of stress for many schizophrenic people. It can often explain
relapse rates and trigger the onset of schizophrenia of those already
vulnerable due to their genetic makeup (diathesis stress model).
Ao3 of nature nurture debate
A limitation of nature stance is it can be affected by nurture. Neural plasticity
shows how nature and nurture interact. The brain changes in its structure
(nature) as a result of life experience (nurture). Maguire et al (2000) showed
that taxi drivers had increased hippocampus volume after learning the
information required for the ‘knowledge test’. Supports role of plasticity in
brain functioning which suggests that experience creates physical changes in
the brain.
A totally nativist approach can lead to extreme determinism. This has led to
controversy such as linking ethnicity, genetics and intelligence and the
application of eugenic policies. A totally empiricist approach can lead to social
