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Nature - GCSE Psychology Definition

Reviewed by: Raj Bonsor

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In GCSE Psychology, 'nature' refers to the idea that a person's traits and behaviours are mostly shaped by their genetic makeup and biological factors. This means that the characteristics we have, such as our intelligence, personality, and even some behaviours, are inherited from our parents through their genes.

The nature perspective suggests that these genetic influences play a major role in shaping who we are. For example, some researchers believe that things like having a natural talent for music or being more prone to certain mental health issues can be explained by the nature side of the nature-nurture debate.

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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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