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Innate - GCSE Psychology Definition

Reviewed by: Raj Bonsor

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"Innate" refers to qualities, abilities, or traits that are present from birth, rather than learned or acquired through experience.

In psychology, when we say something is innate, we mean it is part of a person's natural makeup, like their genetic code or instincts. For example, babies have the innate ability to make facial expressions or cry as ways to communicate their needs. Understanding what is innate in humans helps psychologists learn more about how we grow and develop without needing to be taught.

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Raj Bonsor

Reviewer: Raj Bonsor

Expertise: Psychology & Sociology Content Creator

Raj joined Save My Exams in 2024 as a Senior Content Creator for Psychology & Sociology. Prior to this, she spent fifteen years in the classroom, teaching hundreds of GCSE and A Level students. She has experience as Subject Leader for Psychology and Sociology, and her favourite topics to teach are research methods (especially inferential statistics!) and attachment. She has also successfully taught a number of Level 3 subjects, including criminology, health & social care, and citizenship.

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