What is the primary difference between innate and learned non-verbal behaviour?

Innate behaviour is genetically programmed and universal across the species, whereas learned behaviour is acquired through social imitation and varies significantly between different cultures.

How do 'Display Rules' differ from innate emotional expressions?

Innate expressions are the biological reflex to an emotion, while Display Rules are culturally learned norms that dictate when, where, and to whom it is appropriate to show those expressions.

Why is the study of blind and deaf children crucial to the 'Nature' argument?

Because these children cannot see or hear others, they have no model to imitate. If they still produce standard facial expressions, those expressions must be innate rather than learned.

What is a common misconception regarding the universality of gestures like the 'OK' sign?

A common error is assuming all non-verbal cues are universal. While facial expressions of emotion are largely innate, symbolic gestures (emblems) are culturally specific and learned.

Why is it incorrect to say that all non-verbal communication is innate?

Non-verbal communication is a mix of both. While basic emotional expressions are innate, many aspects like personal space (proxemics) and specific hand gestures are heavily influenced by cultural environment.

What error do researchers make if they only study Western, educated populations?

They may mistake a culturally learned habit for a universal human trait. Cross-cultural studies with isolated groups are necessary to confirm if a behaviour is truly innate.

Define 'Neonate' in the context of non-verbal research.

A neonate is a newborn infant. They are studied to see which non-verbal behaviours are present at birth before significant environmental learning can occur.

What are 'Universal Facial Expressions'?

These are a set of specific facial muscle movements (e.g., for anger, fear, disgust) that are recognized and expressed in the same way by all human beings regardless of culture.

What is the 'Nature' side of the non-verbal communication debate?

The 'Nature' side argues that our ability to communicate non-verbally is an evolutionary adaptation hard-wired into our genetic code.

How does the 'disgust' expression in infants serve an evolutionary purpose?

The wrinkled nose and protruding tongue help the infant physically reject bitter or potentially poisonous substances, aiding survival through an innate biological reflex.

Evidence that Non-Verbal Behaviour is Innate | AQA GCSE Psychology

Language, Thought & Communication

Evidence that Non-Verbal Behaviour is Innate

Summary

The debate over whether non-verbal communication is a product of nature (genetics) or nurture (environment) is addressed through biological and cross-cultural evidence. Research suggests that core emotional expressions are hard-wired into the human brain, serving evolutionary purposes for survival and social cohesion.

1. Definition & Core Concepts

Innate Non-Verbal Behaviour refers to communication signals, such as facial expressions and gestures, that are genetically programmed and present from birth rather than being acquired through social imitation.
The Nature vs. Nurture debate in psychology examines whether these behaviours are universal biological traits or culturally specific learned responses.
Universal Expressions are specific facial configurations (e.g., happiness, sadness, fear) that are recognized and produced identically across all human populations, regardless of their level of isolation.

2. Cross-Cultural Universality

Research involving isolated indigenous groups has shown that individuals who have had zero contact with modern media or other cultures still produce and recognize the same facial expressions for basic emotions.
This suggests a biological blueprint for emotion; if expressions were purely learned, isolated groups would likely develop entirely different visual signals for emotions like 'disgust' or 'surprise'.
While the trigger for an emotion might vary by culture, the physical manifestation—the muscle movements in the face—remains constant across the human species.

Diagram showing that both urban and isolated cultures produce identical facial expressions (smiles) for the same emotion, indicating an innate biological basis.

3. Evidence from Sensory Deprivation

Studies of children born blind and deaf provide some of the most compelling evidence for innate behaviour because these individuals cannot see or hear others to imitate them.
Despite the lack of visual or auditory models, these children exhibit spontaneous smiling when happy, crying when upset, and pouting when frustrated, mirroring the expressions of sighted children.
This indicates that the motor patterns for emotional expression are pre-wired in the brain and do not require environmental observation to manifest.

4. Developmental Evidence in Neonates

5. Key Distinctions: Innate vs. Learned

6. Exam Strategy & Tips