What is a primary drawback of viewing individuals as a "tabula rasa"?

Viewing individuals as a "tabula rasa," or blank slate, primarily suggests that people are born without any built-in mental content and that all knowledge comes from experience and perception. This perspective has significant implications in psychology, especially concerning the development of behavior and personality.

The correct answer acknowledges that this view largely overlooks the influence of genetic factors on behavior. Modern psychology recognizes that while experience and environment play critical roles in shaping individuals, genetic predispositions also significantly contribute to personality traits, intelligence, and various behaviors. Research in fields such as behavioral genetics shows that many aspects of who we are can be traced back to inherited traits. By neglecting these genetic factors, the "tabula rasa" perspective fails to provide a comprehensive understanding of human behavior, suggesting instead that environment is the sole determinant of development.

This understanding encourages a more nuanced view of behavior, where both genetics and environment interact to shape individuals. Therefore, it is essential to integrate the role of nature (genetics) with nurture (experiences) to fully comprehend human development and learning.