Nature Versus Nurture PDF

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We were required to analyze the problem "Nature vs. nurture;" here is a response to the question. ...

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Nat ur eVer susNur t ur e ?

February 10, 2017 Professor Corbo Intro to Psychology The great ‘nature vs. nurture’ debate has been argued by psychologists and scientists for many years. Some believe that personality, intelligence, and other character traits are due entirely to genetics. Other argue that people are born as ‘blank slates,’ and the environment influences their character traits. However, according to more modern studies today, it can be said that a person’s traits come from both genetics and the environment. The most accurate way to study these two sides of the debate is by observing identical twins; individuals who have the same exact genetic code, but could be raised in different circumstances. Even with this ability, nobody is certain exactly how much either genes or the environment can change a person. Though genetics do play a very important role in shaping a person, the environment can also change much of how they behave and think. The biopsychosocial model is largely relevant in the studies of this debate. Acknowledging that biological, psychological, and social influences all have equally important impact on a person’s character, intelligence, and other traits is hugely important. The biological aspect of this model is DNA, inherited traits, genetics, and the general make-up of a human being. The psychological aspect instates the fears, likes, dislikes, emotion, and perception in a person as he or she grows and is exposed to the environment. Social-cultural influences further affect the personality, reactions, and emotions of this person as he or she continues to grow and interacts with others. For example, someone raised in a loving home may be more inclined to be kind and loving toward someone else, whereas someone raised in a cold, unhealthy home may be more inclined to treat others less kindly, as that is what he or she is used to. Both genetics and environment can influence children. Many television shows for children are now made to encourage learning; a child watching and learning from a television show is growing and changing by both the psychological and social aspects of the show. A child who regularly goes to daycare is also experiencing this, though perhaps a bit more social learning in that case. Sports played by children can have differing effects. A child with non-athletic

parents could not be athletically inclined, but if enrolled in a sport while young it could help develop these skills, and possibly create biological athletic traits that could be passed on to the next generation. In conclusion, there is no direct answer to this debate if it’s considered the ‘nature vs. nurture’ debate. Nature and nurture both have powerful impact upon a person and how he or she grows up to behave and act; there is no ‘or.’ Both are required to shape a person as he or she grows and adapts....