PSY 210
Week 1 - Discussion Questions #1

What are some of the ways that psychologists attempt to explain human behavior? One of the major debates within the field of psychology is the degree to which nature versus nurture shapes human behaviors and traits. What comprises our nature? How would you define nurture? How would you describe the interaction between genetic potential, environmental influences, and personal choice? In your opinion, is biology destiny? Explain why or why not.

Most psychologists try to explain human behavior through the study of nature vs. nurture, or the study of one’s genetic make-up and their environment and how much each affects personality and behavior.

Nature: can be described as a person’s biological construction or blue print that may have some influence and explain an individual’s behavior. It is thought that some of a person’s genetic make-up dictates certain traits that an individual will have like their disposition, personality traits, disabilities, aggressiveness, whether they may are introverted or extroverted, etc. which can all influence the behavior that an individual might have.

Nurture: can be described as the environmental factors that can influences and individual’s personality and behavior. Environmental factors can be familial influences, influence of friends, the neighborhood in which a person lives, their living arrangements, experiences, and much more.

“It appears that genetic factors are involved in nearly all human traits and behavior… Genetic influences also contribute to most of the adjustment problems we face in coping with stressful demands, such as emotional disorders involving anxiety and depression, and even criminal or antisocial behavior” (Nevid & Rathus, 2005). A person’s environment and life experiences help to determine the choices we make just as much as the genetics. Genetics