Nature vs. Nurture
Assignment 1: Discuss the Nature vs. Nurture question.
Nature vs. Nurture is considered by many to be the ultimate dichotomy. Nature as it refers to the study of Human Development; represents the concept that most of a person’s characteristics are developed by their biological make up (Genes). Nurture as it refers to Human Development; represents the notion that most characteristics of Human Development can be tailored and configured by actual exposure to various stimuli. Throughout history numerous studies have been conducted in an attempt to establish whether Genetics “Nature” would play a more vital role than a person’s environment on determining their personality. Although Science has been able to identify certain genes that may prove your disposition to specific behaviors or intellectual aptitude; the fact that nature has the potential be manipulated gives into the concept that neither opinion can be correct on its own. For example, one specific study that comes to mind is the study conducted between 1979 and 2000 by Dr. Thomas Bouchard of the University of Minnesota, which concluded that Identical twins which had been separated at birth were found to have numerous character traits and mannerisms in common. The study proved that the only viable explanation for their individual similarities was their genetic makeup. Researchers where astonished due to the fact that the specific individualities manifested despite neither subject ever having physically contacted one another. In fact most of the case studies had no knowledge of even having been a twin.
However encouraging the findings, there exist contradictory proof that genetics alone could not account for all personality traits; for example, feral or malnourished children. Their very existence, contradict the presumption that Nature alone can account for a person’s character traits. Unfortunately malnourishment and lack of social interaction can significantly impair an individual’s ability to reach
Nature vs. Nurture is considered by many to be the ultimate dichotomy. Nature as it refers to the study of Human Development; represents the concept that most of a person’s characteristics are developed by their biological make up (Genes). Nurture as it refers to Human Development; represents the notion that most characteristics of Human Development can be tailored and configured by actual exposure to various stimuli. Throughout history numerous studies have been conducted in an attempt to establish whether Genetics “Nature” would play a more vital role than a person’s environment on determining their personality. Although Science has been able to identify certain genes that may prove your disposition to specific behaviors or intellectual aptitude; the fact that nature has the potential be manipulated gives into the concept that neither opinion can be correct on its own. For example, one specific study that comes to mind is the study conducted between 1979 and 2000 by Dr. Thomas Bouchard of the University of Minnesota, which concluded that Identical twins which had been separated at birth were found to have numerous character traits and mannerisms in common. The study proved that the only viable explanation for their individual similarities was their genetic makeup. Researchers where astonished due to the fact that the specific individualities manifested despite neither subject ever having physically contacted one another. In fact most of the case studies had no knowledge of even having been a twin.
However encouraging the findings, there exist contradictory proof that genetics alone could not account for all personality traits; for example, feral or malnourished children. Their very existence, contradict the presumption that Nature alone can account for a person’s character traits. Unfortunately malnourishment and lack of social interaction can significantly impair an individual’s ability to reach