Analyzing Nature Versus Nurture Influences
Analyzing Nature Versus Nurture Influences
(Analyzing Nature Versus Nurture Influences)
The nature versus nurture debate explores the relative contributions of genetic inheritance (nature) and environmental factors (nurture) to human development. Nature refers to the biological and genetic predispositions we inherit from our parents, influencing traits like eye color, height, and susceptibility to certain diseases. Nurture encompasses the external factors and experiences that shape us, such as upbringing, culture, education, and personal experiences.
Recent research highlights the interplay between these two forces. For instance, twin studies reveal that both genetics and environment significantly affect intelligence and personality, with heritability estimates suggesting that genes contribute to about 50% of the variation in these traits. Epigenetics further complicates the dichotomy by showing how environmental factors can modify gene expression without altering the DNA sequence, thus intertwining nature and nurture.
Additionally, critical periods in development, like early childhood, are especially sensitive to environmental influences, underscoring nurture’s role. However, genetic predispositions can also guide individuals towards particular environments, creating a dynamic interaction between our biology and experiences.
Ultimately, human development is best understood through a biopsychosocial model that acknowledges the complex, interdependent relationship between genetic and environmental factors, rather than viewing them as mutually exclusive influences.
Analyzing Nature Versus Nurture Influences
Compare and contrast your assigned readings regarding nature versus nurture with the information shared in the video Nature or Nurture from Science Channel. What did you find most interesting in the conversation? How do social and cultural environments impact newborns? Share any professional or personal observations that support your post.
Studies
Readings
Use your Infants, Children, and Adolescents text to complete the following:
- Read Chapter 2, “Genetic and Environmental Foundations,” pages 50–89.
- Read Chapter 3, “Prenatal Development,” pages 90–121.
- Read Chapter 4, “Birth and the Newborn Baby,” pages 122–157.
These chapters focus on the prenatal development, birth, and newborn status of children and the factors that impact this stage of development.
Remember, your e-books are available for reading via VitalSource Bookshelf. You can access Bookshelf from the left Course Tools menu or via the optional downloaded application.
Use the Capella library to read Kingston, Tough, and Whitfield’s 2012 article, “Prenatal and Postpartum Maternal Psychological Distress and Infant Development: A Systematic Review,” from Child Psychiatry and Human Development, volume 43, issue 5, pages 683–714.
Use the Internet to view the video Nature or Nurture | Transcript from Science Channel. You will use the information in this podcast in this unit’s discussion.
