1. Nature vs. Nurture One of the greatest areas of controversy in the study of human behaviour is the nature-nurture debate. Nature argument – behaviour is determined by our inherited, genetic structure. It is also called innate behaviour. Nurture argument – behaviour is the result of learning and experience resulting from outside factors such as parents, media, peers and religion. It is also called learned behaviour.

2. Nature vs. Nurture At the time of conception each of us inherited 23 chromosomes from the sperm or our biological father and 23 chromosomes from the ovum of our biological mother. These 46 chromosomes lined up into 23 matching pairs, each containing thousands of genes. Each of these genes possesses a piece of information that guides our development from embryo to maturity. Genes determine our hair colour, eye colour, height and all other physical characteristics.

3. Nature vs. Nurture The question researchers now ask is whether genes also determine aspects of our personality such as intelligence, sense of humour, temperament and love interests. Is our behaviour the result of genes, environmental factors, - or both?