Predetermined Genetic Nurture Or Environmental Influences

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One of the longest running debates of our time is that of the nature versus nurture. This debate centers on determining whether an individual’s intelligence and behaviors are derived from a predetermined genetic makeup or environmental influences. Theorists supporting the nature argument see intelligence as being tied to genetic makeup, we are born with our intelligence because it is inherited, whereas, the nurture stance does acknowledge a biological component but supports the idea that intelligence is derived from an individual’s environment, specifically their experiences and socialization (Siegel, 2014). Overall, the nature versus nurture debate seeks to pit genetics against environment, each working independently of the other. However, is this fair? Instead, should we not consider the interaction between the two and how they …show more content…
A child’s language, self-control, and early reasoning/problem solving can be linked to the involvement of ones parents. The more involved and attentive the parent the better off the child will be with language skills and cognitive development. From the social standpoint, additional family, peer and community interactions also influence the individuals. Through these interactions not only does the individual get a chance to practice what they have learned from their parents but the opportunity to learn and master new skills through imitation and play with others. The environment outside of the home broadens the experience. Lastly, the socioeconomic status of an individual has an extreme impact on the individual’s cognitive abilities (Bond, 2014). A child brought up in poverty is less likely to have a quality education, consistent routines, good health, and high parental attention. As a result, they tend to have low social and emotional competence and perform poorly at school, ultimately affecting their ability to be successful in

Frankenstein Nature Vs Nurture

The Nature versus Nurture debate dates back to the nineteenth century and is directly related to Frankenstein by Mary Shelley. In this novel, a main character commits many bad and evil acts. Some may say that the character was created with the traits to commit the acts and others may say that events the character went through shaped him to commit these acts. In Frankenstein by Mary Shelley, the creature’s kind nature is erased by the lack of a nurturing environment. The creature’s life represents…

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Nature Vs Nurture Research Paper

Nature or Nurture? The everlasting biologist and psychologist question “Nature versus Nurture” has been asked and pondered countless times. How much of a role does genetics, experience and influence play in the life of a human being? When looking at psychological studies, one can conclude that although genetics have a large effect on who someone is, psychological and social-cultural influences shape more of who an individual is through how one interacts with their environment. Genetics create the…

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Nature Vs Nurture Research Paper

Keith Mierzejewski Methods of Critical Thinking Research Paper December 11, 2010 Nature vs. Nurture One of the most enduring debates in the field of psychology is the controversial idea of nature vs. nurture. Throughout the endless history of the debate, no clear conclusion has been met, only hypotheses have been formed. At the center of the debate, human behaviors, ideas, and feelings are being determined, whether they are learned or inherited. Determining physical traits, such as eye color…

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Nature Vs Nurture

The question of nature vs nurture in psychology is a question that humanity’s greatest minds have been debating for millennia. From Plato who believes in nature, against Aristotle who argued for nurture. To as recently as today where scientists are still trying to figure out the answer with no prevail. (Nature vs Nurture) The basic premise of this debate is whether the mind is influenced by the world around it or is already predetermined. In other words, certain people believe that the mind is a…

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Nature And Nurture Debate In Psychology

Children are born as blank slates, Nature/Nurture debate in developmental Psychology, theoretical and research literature The nature/nurture debate of Psychology is one as old as time, it can be traced back to early philosophers such as Aristotle who proposed the theory of ‘Tabula Rasa’ that all humans are born as blank slates and that over time we come to be who we are. The other side of this debate proposes that humans are born with some form of innate knowledge, what this knowledge might be varies…

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Importance Of Developmental And Contextualism

Individual Development Over Time Traditional debate revolves around contributions of nature vs nurture – “essentially meaningless and functionally useless” mutual influence Developmental/contextual Perspective on Life-span Development Bronfenbrenner Lerner Assumptions of D/C Perspective 1. Potential for growth exists at all stages of life 2. Continuity and change - Epigenetic Principle (predetermined vs probabilistic) 3. Importance of Context 4. Context is Grounded in Time BASIC MODEL…

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Explain, Predict, And Control Behavior And Mental Processes

conscious thoughts and feelings. * Gestalt: a school of thought that looked at the human mind and behavior as wholes rather than attempting to break them up into smaller parts. * Psychoanalysis: thoughts and motivations outside of our awareness influence our behavior * Behaviorism: a theory of learning based upon the idea that all behaviors are acquired through conditioning * Multiple Perspectives: Biological, Psychodynamic, Behavioral, Humanistic, Cognitive Cross Cultural, Evolutionary…

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