How do nature and nurture interact to shape development?
The nature-nurture debate in development: the influence of genes (nature) and environment (nurture), and how they interact to shape behaviour and abilities.
A focused answer to AQA GCSE Psychology 3.3, explaining the nature-nurture debate, the influence of genes (nature) and the environment (nurture) on development, and how the two interact to shape behaviour and abilities.
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What this dot point is asking
AQA wants you to explain the nature-nurture debate, describe what is meant by nature (genes) and nurture (environment), and explain how the two interact to shape behaviour and abilities. This is examined in Paper 1 and is a recurring evaluation theme across the whole course, so a clear interactionist conclusion is worth practising.
Nature
Some characteristics are strongly influenced by genes, such as physical features, certain aspects of temperament, and conditions like phenylketonuria. Twin and family studies are used to estimate heritability: identical (monozygotic) twins share all their genes, so if they are more similar on a trait than non-identical (dizygotic) twins, that suggests a genetic influence. Studies of twins reared apart help separate the effects of shared genes from shared environment.
Nurture
How they interact
The modern view is that nature and nurture interact rather than compete. Genes set a range of possibilities (a reaction range), and the environment determines where within that range a person ends up. The same genetic potential can lead to very different outcomes in different environments, and the same environment can affect two genetically different children differently. This interactionist position avoids the mistake of attributing behaviour to a single cause.
Why this matters
Understanding the interaction helps explain individual differences and shows why both good genes and good environments matter. It has practical value too: it justifies early intervention and enrichment programmes, because improving the environment can help children reach more of their genetic potential.
Try this
Q1. Explain what is meant by nature in the nature-nurture debate. [2 marks]
- Cue. The influence of inherited factors, our genes, on development.
Q2. Give one example of nature and nurture interacting. [2 marks]
- Cue. Inheriting a talent (nature) that only develops with practice and teaching (nurture).
Q3. Identify one type of study used to investigate the influence of genes. [1 mark]
- Cue. Twin studies (or family or adoption studies).
Exam-style practice questions
Practice questions written in the style of AQA exam questions on this dot point, with worked answer explainers. The year tag is the paper they imitate, not the source.
AQA 20204 marksDiscuss the nature-nurture debate in relation to development. (Paper 1, Section C)Show worked answer →
A 4-mark Discuss item rewards the two sides plus a developed interaction point and a judgement.
The nature side argues development is driven by inherited genes: evidence includes identical (monozygotic) twins being more alike on many traits than non-identical twins, even when raised apart. The nurture side argues development is driven by the environment and experience: evidence includes the effects of upbringing, education and culture, and studies showing that enrichment or deprivation changes outcomes. The accepted modern view is interactionist: genes set a range of possibilities and the environment determines how that potential is expressed.
Markers reward a developed point each side (ideally with evidence such as twin studies), the interaction point, and a clear conclusion that it is not an either/or debate.
AQA 20223 marksExplain, using an example, how nature and nurture can interact. (Paper 1, Section C)Show worked answer →
A 3-mark item that rewards a clear example showing both influences acting together.
A child may inherit a genetic potential for tall stature or musical ability (nature), but whether that potential is reached depends on the environment: good nutrition allows the child to grow to their full inherited height, and music lessons and practice allow the inherited aptitude to develop into skill (nurture). Without the right environment the genetic potential is not fully expressed.
Markers reward a named genetic potential, the environmental factor that shapes it, and an explicit statement that the two work together rather than separately.
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Sources & how we know this
- AQA GCSE Psychology (8182) specification — AQA (2017)