Nature versus nurture is a “hot topic” in the world of psychology and the balance of each side’s contribution has long been debated. Consider the information provided in your textbook and recent research to discuss this topic.
Provide a summary of the nature/nurture debate.
What are your own thoughts on nature versus nurture? Did they change at all after reading your text, your classmate’s responses or from completing this assignment?
Include recent research (2017-present) on at least two specific behavioral traits that have been studied. If you find non-scholarly sources (e.g., newspaper articles, magazines, etc.) feel free to include them in addition to your scholarly sources. Describe the research (e.g., what they studied and found).
Give your thoughts on the research. Was it surprising? Controversial? Consistent with your beliefs? Did you find contradictory evidence for the role of nature and nurture for the traits you chose?
omplete the following readings from the textbook, Life-Span Human Development:
Chapter 2: Genes, Environment, and Development
Chapter 3: Prenatal Development and Birth
Chapter 4: Body, Brain, and Health
In addition, refer to the following websites for optional related reading:
Evolutionary Psychology: A primer
MedlinePlus: Genetic Counseling
Birth Defects: Center for Disease Control
NOVA Online: Odyssey of Life
MedlinePlus: Menopause
PBS Whole Child
Everything You Wanted to Know About Puberty
The video is on You tube Conception to Birth visualized TED
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The nature versus nurture debate is a longstanding one in psychology that centers on the question of how much of our behavior, development, and intelligence is determined by our genes (nature) and how much is determined by our environment (nurture). Both nature and nurture are thought to play a role in shaping who we are, but the extent to which each contributes is still a topic of ongoing research and debate.
Recent research has focused on specific behavioral traits, such as aggression and intelligence, to better understand the nature-nurture question. For example, a 2017 study published in the journal “Nature Genetics” found that genetic factors accounted for around 50% of the variation in aggressive behavior, while another 2017 study published in the journal “Intelligence” found that both genetic and environmental factors contributed to intelligence, with genetics accounting for around 50-70% of the variation.
My thoughts on the nature-nurture debate have not changed much after reading my textbook and recent research. I believe that both nature and nurture play a role in shaping who we are, and that the extent to which each contributes varies depending on the trait being studied. I found the research on aggression and intelligence to be consistent with my beliefs, and I did not find any contradictory evidence for the role of nature and nurture for these traits.
The nature versus nurture debate is a complex issue that has been studied for centuries. Research suggests that both nature and nurture play a role in shaping who we are, but the extent to which each contributes varies depending on the trait being studied. It is important to consider both genetic and environmental factors when trying to understand human behavior and development.
