Evaluation point Description Strength Weaknesses Usefulness/Implications Nature This debate questions whether a Considers internal influences Ignores Nurture :) We can predict behaviour Vs particular characteristic is inherited on behaviour Can help us find treatment or even Nurture (Nature) or due to the environment Reductionist a cure. (Nurture). Helps to find organic causes to behaviour Research cannot be :( Too much emphasis on genes generalised and innate inheritance may lead to diminished responsibility of the individual, so they feel they have no control of their actions. :( Eugenics Nature Vs This debate questions whether a Considers external influences All behaviour cannot be :)We can predict behaviour Nurture particular characteristic is inherited on behaviour nurture this is proven – (Nature) or due to the environment through twin studies, where :) Can inform treatment and (Nurture) they have been raised interventions apart. Genetic tendencies are real and inheritance can have a determined effect Determinism Determinism is the debate, which Makes the world more It does not allow for freewill :) we Can predict behaviour argues that factor A determines the understandable and we think we have a choice – (vs free will) phenomena B. For example, your predictable. but it is just an illusion. :) Useful practical implications if – experiences of past relationships we can predict and thus control will determine future ones. Can provide scientific Determinism cannot fully behaviour Free will explanations for human explain behaviour human – Free will is the opposite to behaviour. behaviour is far too complex :( May be socially sensitive as determinism and the belief that we individuals feel they cannot control have to choose any or change behaviour ‘free will’ behaviour or direction without the constraints of fate, Can lessen individuals motivation predetermination or any other e.g if your intelligence is event. determined you may not try
Evaluation point Description Strength Weaknesses Usefulness/Implications Nature Vs Nurture This debate questions whether a particular characteristic is inherited (Nature) or due to the environment (Nurture). Considers internal influences on behaviour Helps to find organic causes to behaviour Ignores Nurture Reductionist Research cannot be generalised :) We can predict behaviour Can help us find treatment or even a cure. :( Too much emphasis on genes and innate inheritance may lead to diminished responsibility of the individual, so they feel they have no control of their actions. :( Eugenics Nature Vs Nurture This debate questions whether a particular characteristic is inherited (Nature) or due to the environment (Nurture) Considers external influences on behaviour All behaviour cannot be nurture – this is proven through twin studies, where they have been raised apart. Genetic tendencies are real and inheritance can have a determined effect :)We can predict behaviour :) Can inform treatment and interventions Determinism (vs free will) Determinism is the debate, which argues that factor A determines the phenomena B. For example, your experiences of past relationships will determine future ones. Free will Free will is the opposite to determinism and the belief that we have ‘free will’ to choose any behaviour or direction without the constraints of fate, predetermination or any other event. Makes the world more understandable and predictable. Can provide scientific explanations for human behaviour. It does not allow for freewill – we think we have a choice – but it is just an illusion. Determinism cannot fully explain behaviour – human behaviour is far too complex :) we Can predict behaviour :) Useful practical implications if we can predict and thus control behaviour :( May be socially sensitive as individuals feel they cannot control or change behaviour Can lessen individuals motivation e.g if your intelligence is determined you may not try