Final answer:
The concept that behaviors are innate and genetically programmed is known as biological determinism, a key idea in sociobiology. Evolutionary psychology also considers the genetic basis of behavior, but distinguishing genetic from cultural influences can be challenging. Researchers acknowledge the importance of both genes and environment in shaping behavior.
Step-by-step explanation:
The idea that fundamental aspects of human behavior are "hardwired" or "programmed" by human genes is sometimes called biological determinism. This concept is at the heart of sociobiology, which links genes with behaviors and suggests that natural selection plays a role in retaining such inherited behaviors. The controversy arises when these principles are applied to human behavior, as it raises questions about the extent to which our actions are predetermined by our genetic makeup versus shaped by our environment and experiences.
Evolutionary psychology also explores the role of genetics in behavior, seeking to understand how behaviors may have been naturally selected. However, researchers in this field may also find it difficult to distinguish between what is genetical and what is cultural, particularly when dealing with complex human behaviors. Inheritable behaviors in animals, known as innate behaviors, such as a dog drooling at the sight of food, provide simpler examples of behavior that is influenced by genetic programming.
Nevertheless, psychological researchers also examine environmental factors, conditioning, and learned behaviors to understand the broad spectrum of human actions and reactions. Thus, it's acknowledged that while genes may predispose us to certain behaviors, our life experiences and environments play a significant role in shaping our actions.