Nature vs Nurture
Debate in Psychology: Nature vs. Nurture
Below is a timeline that will be used for the class debate on the issue of Psychology’s Nature vs. Nurture. Carefully follow directions to prepare, debate and discuss this highly controversial issue in the psychological world today. Be sure to understand that you must debate on the side of the debate that was assigned to you, even if it does not reflect your personal feelings. Note the criteria based on group and personal participation.
Timeline:
20 minutes—Group preparation time
1 minute—Pro-Nature opening statement
1 minute—Pro-Nurture opening statement
5-10 minutes—Rebuttal group preparation
1 minute-- Pro-Nature rebuttal
1 minute—Pro-Nurture rebuttal
5-10 minutes—Closing statement group preparation
1 minute-- Pro-Nature closing statement
1 minute—Pro-Nurture closing statement
Remaining time—open discussion (ALL are encouraged to participate at this time)
Directions:
Initial group preparation will be focused first on prioritizing the most important supporting reasons for your assigned position, predicting what the opposing side will state, and planning ahead for rebuttal. Chose an opening speaker to start the debate and chose who will rebut and close.
Each side will use a minimum of three speakers during the formal debate, but ALL members must be active during preparation time and open discussion.
In the debate, your job is not to force the other side to agree with you, but to establish a persuasive position and refute opposition. Rather then arguing, persuade. Remember also not to interject personal feelings, but to provide logical support for the assigned side.
Written Response:
Create a position on the issue of Psychology’s Nature vs. Nurture debate to support and explain. An appropriate thesis statement should open the argument with supporting evidence, reason, and examples to follow. While there is no position that is the “correct” response, evidence and logical reason based on research and
Below is a timeline that will be used for the class debate on the issue of Psychology’s Nature vs. Nurture. Carefully follow directions to prepare, debate and discuss this highly controversial issue in the psychological world today. Be sure to understand that you must debate on the side of the debate that was assigned to you, even if it does not reflect your personal feelings. Note the criteria based on group and personal participation.
Timeline:
20 minutes—Group preparation time
1 minute—Pro-Nature opening statement
1 minute—Pro-Nurture opening statement
5-10 minutes—Rebuttal group preparation
1 minute-- Pro-Nature rebuttal
1 minute—Pro-Nurture rebuttal
5-10 minutes—Closing statement group preparation
1 minute-- Pro-Nature closing statement
1 minute—Pro-Nurture closing statement
Remaining time—open discussion (ALL are encouraged to participate at this time)
Directions:
Initial group preparation will be focused first on prioritizing the most important supporting reasons for your assigned position, predicting what the opposing side will state, and planning ahead for rebuttal. Chose an opening speaker to start the debate and chose who will rebut and close.
Each side will use a minimum of three speakers during the formal debate, but ALL members must be active during preparation time and open discussion.
In the debate, your job is not to force the other side to agree with you, but to establish a persuasive position and refute opposition. Rather then arguing, persuade. Remember also not to interject personal feelings, but to provide logical support for the assigned side.
Written Response:
Create a position on the issue of Psychology’s Nature vs. Nurture debate to support and explain. An appropriate thesis statement should open the argument with supporting evidence, reason, and examples to follow. While there is no position that is the “correct” response, evidence and logical reason based on research and
Citations: Gleick, James. Chaos: Making a New Science. New York: Penguin Books, 1987. Poniewozik, James. "TV Makes a Too-Close Call." Time 20 Nov. 2000: 70-71. Felluga, Dino. Guide to Literary and Critical Theory. 28 Nov. 2003. Purdue University