Psychology The Nurture Theory And The Nature Theory

In developmental psychology, attachment describes an affectional bond between an infant and its caregiver. An infant who is attached to its caregiver will want to maintain proximity to him/her, will experience distress upon separation and will use the caregiver as a secure base. This paper will discuss two theories in developmental psychology: The nurture theory and the nature theory. The nurture theory, known as the behaviourism theory, tells us that babies learn all of their behaviours and that attachment is a result of conditioning. We will look at two types of learning and evaluate the nurture theory using research. In contrast, the nature theory is an evolutionary theory of Bowlby (1988) which states that babies are born with a survival instinct to use social releases to ensure adults care for them (Eysenck, 2012). Certain concepts of Bowlby’s (1988) research will be outlined in this paper and and research will be used to evaluate the nature theory. Nurture theory, or behaviourism, is the theory that every baby is born as a ‘blank slate’ and all behaviour is learned. The first concept in this theory is based on the work of Pavlov (1890-1930) and is called Classical Conditioning. Pavlov’s research on dogs led Watson (1913) to conduct research that found that attachment is learned when a baby associates its caregiver with a positive response. (Green, no date) During Pavlov’s study he found that when his dog saw the person who fed him, he would salivate without having yetShow MoreRelatedNature Vs. Nurture And How Studying Psychology Can Improve Critical Thinking818 Words   |  4 Pagesmission of history. The study of psychologies past endeavors to help future generations of psychology-minded individuals how the past discoveries that were implemented, and altered within the field. As with any history, knowing the successes, and possible mistakes in the within the field development can only assist future experiences. In examining the history of the psychology, upcoming psychology students are able to talk over the age-old debate of nature versus nurture. The beliefs of Darwinism stillRead MoreThe Case Study Written By Keith K. Schillo Of Suny College888 Words   |  4 Pagesby Keith K. Schillo of SUNY College at Oneonta gives a brief argument of how the nurture theory could possibly be the cause of gender identity based on the struggles one boy had to endure during his life. The case study goes on to describe how a twin boy went from being a boy to a girl and then back to being a boy again back in 1965 to determine if gender identity was based solely on the nurture theory, or if nature was the cause. Due to the inability of both boys being able to urinate properly,Read More Nature vs Nurture: Genes vs Environment Essay1490 Words   |  6 PagesIntroduction A debate between psychologist, scientists and philosopher thinkers on the spectrum of ‘nature vs. nurture’ arose concerning human development. In the nature versus nurture debate, the term nature refers to the genes we inherit while the term nurture refers to our outside environment (Nature vs. Nurture: Twin and Adoption Studies). This debate of ‘nature vs. nurture’ has existed for centuries and up to now it is still a topic of major discussion although at present time. Human developmentRead MoreThe Effect Of Environmental And Genetics On The Development Of A Person1000 Words   |  4 PagesOne of these oldest arguments in the history of psychology is the debate of whether or not ones environment or genetic background plays more of a role in the development of a person. Both nature and nurture have been proven to play an important role in one’s development. Nature is what we think of as pre-wiring and is influenced by genetic inheritance and other bi ological factors. Nurture is generally taken as the influence of external factors after conception e.g. the product of exposure, experienceRead MoreRetrospective Analysis of Personality1043 Words   |  5 PagesRetrospective Analysis of Personality Intro to Psychology August 31, 2014 I found doing this paper quite exciting to a certain point, until I really took a moment to glance back into my life and see the changes that have taken place. Through the years I have wondered what made me change my personality towards the way I look at things but now I see why. I drastically made those changes due to the different people and environments I have been. My personality started out as helping anyone I couldRead MoreUnderstanding Piaget Theory And Information Processing Theory1208 Words   |  5 Pagesof Cognitive theories has many different aspects that have been debated many years ago. Developmental psychologists try to explain cognitive development approaches which describe the process of human s thought. One of the developmental psychologist who studied on the area of cognitive was Jean Piaget. Jean Piaget a Swiss psychologist was the first developmental researcher who has extensive research on cognitive development. In addition, the revolution of Jean Piagetâ€℠¢s cognitive theory has changedRead MoreThe Problem Of Human Development1536 Words   |  7 Pagesof was nature’s way to control the population. Many know it as Survival of the fittest, Darwin called it natural selection. Natural selection is a theory about one’s biological response to their environment, known as adaptation. Those who do not possess the ability to learn (Adapt) to their ever changing environment will not survive. â€Å"The theory of natural selection made four important contributions. First, it explained change over time in organic design, â€Å"descent with modification.† SecondRead MoreThe Four Paradigms Of The Four Major Paradigms Of Psychology968 Words   |  4 Pages Cultural-Contextual Literacy Assignment Zanyah Brown Sampson Community College Mrs. Arnette’s Psychology Class Fall 2017 Cultural-Contextual Literacy Assignment In this assignment, the four major paradigms of psychology are discussed. The reasoning behind the placement of the theories will be discussed thoroughly and efficiently. Each of the theories was placed on a spectrum that measured whether they were more influenced by heredity or environment. Some, as many can see, can fit into both sidesRead MoreThe Theory Of The Mind And Behavior1264 Words   |  6 Pagespools of facts about the history of Psychology. We can trace it back to its roots, held deep in philosophy; even ancient Greek philosophers such as Plato introduced the concept of Anamnesis, suggesting that we are born with imprinted knowledge. Aristotle, a student of Plato, theorized the concept that we were born a blank canvas and the development of our minds are sculpted by our experience, demonstrating that modern psychological debates of nature VS nurture, and interests of the functions of theRead MoreBowlby s Theory Of Attachment1255 Words   |  6 Pagesimportant bond is th e emotional one between an infant and its primary care giver. When it comes to attachment it is often said that it is either down to nature or nurture. Nature is the belief that it is genetic based whilst nurture believes it is our environment and experiences. Bowlby focuses on the evolutionary argument for attachment. Bowlby’s theory can be sub categorized into 3 main components. First one being that the infant and the primary care giver are biologically programmed to form an attachment