If I were to ask you on whether nature or nurture determines one’s traits, would you be able to answer me with absolute confidence? It is completely understandable if you are hesitant as both nature and nurture have something to boast about in their roles as determinants of one’s traits. There are studies that have shown that nurture is definitely the key that determines one’s ability and that science is increasingly showing that genes are becoming less an influence [James, December 27th, 2008]. However, with that being said, I believe that both are actually significant players. Researchers concluded that it is indeed a draw between the two [Tan, May 19th, 2015]. Beben Benyamin from University of Queensland collaborated with researchers from …show more content…
They discovered that genes contributed 49% while environmental factors contributed 51% to the differences in human traits and diseases [Tan, May 19th, 2015]. This shows that both nature and nurture have relatively equal significance. Supporting this finding, Professor Steve Jones asserted that many things are influenced by both nature and nurture at the same time [The Lost Lectures, December 11th, 2013]. He illustrated his point by using the problem of obesity as an example. He explained that one of the causes that lead to obesity is the absence of an appetite hormone called Leptin. The Leptin hormone sends signals to the brain as to when a person should stop eating. When a boy who has leptin deficiency is placed in an environment where a lot of food is available, he will eventually become obese. However, if not enough food is present, obesity is unlikely to happen. This demonstrates that both nature and nurture must work together to result in a trait, which in this case is obesity [The Lost Lectures, December 11th, 2013]. Similarly, scientists found that genes influencing one’s abilities in different subjects
Genes influence every aspect of our physiology, development, and adaptation. Obesity seems to be no exception. Yet, even after reading this article and researching this topic, I still know relatively little regarding the complex interplay between our genetic makeup and our life experiences. The author of this article and the research contained within does little to clarify the role of nurture in the nature vs. nurture argument. Environmental causation is discussed only in terms of how environmental stress has the potential of becoming a part of one’s genetic makeup and therefore transferrable to future generations. It’s clear that genetic factors make a contribution to obesity risk, but not everyone who may be predisposed to obesity because
“You inherit your environment just as much as your genes.” (Rich, 2015) In 1869, the phrase “nature vs. nurture was coined by an English polymath named Francis Galton. There are two sides to this debate, each with their own pros and con’s. Nature is the side that argues that the DNA and genotype humans are born with determines who they are and what personality and traits they will have throughout their lifetime. Whereas the nurture side of the debate argues that humans are born with sponges as minds, and through interactions and experiences while we grow, the knowledge and understanding of life is gained and this is how our personalities are sculpted. Many people have studied this debate through multiple schools of thoughts; each with their own arguments to which side they believe prevails. Yet, to this day, there is no proof to say which side of the debate if correct. Based on the psychological, sociological, and epigenetic schools of though, it can be validated that when it comes to the nature vs. nurture debate, nurture will always prevail and remain most relevant.
The oldest arguments in the history of psychology is the Nature vs Nurture discussion. Both are legitimate and it is very hard to decide whether a person’s development is prone to his DNA or influenced by his life experience and environment. Presently, nature and nurture both play important role in human development. However what remains unknown is if human is developed solely because of nature or nurture. . As of now, we know that both nature and nurture play important roles in human development, but we have not known yet whether we are developed majorly because of nature or due to nurture. Nature is the collection of genes in each human cell which determines the different traits that we have such as eye/hair color,ear size, height etc.
Nature versus nurture has been a continuing debate and is far from being settled. Whether or not our characteristics are determined by the environmental factors that surround us or they were imbedded in our genes is a question many scientists will argue. The challenge concerning the debate is that it is difficult to know if someone is born with traits or whether their environment affected them. It is unethical to take a child out of its natural surroundings to test nature versus nurture, so identical twins have become the most reliable test cases for finding the answers of what is learned and what is inherited.
The sociobiological view concentrates on aggression as a result of natural selection. And because of this, the theory of sociobiology gives a conceivable clarification with reference to why aggressive behavior exists in individuals today. Additionally, the third view is known as behavior genetics, and it concentrates on whether or not aggression is inherited. And as we probably are aware, the sociological argument holds that aggression has evolved on the grounds that it is instrumental in enhancing the reproductive success of individuals and species. Because of this, the presumption that the affinity for aggressive behavior is part of an individuals genetic make-up. And thus, this view is directed at investigating the role of hereditary similitude
Nature versus nurture is controversial debate that has been ongoing for several years about whether behaviors are caused by inherited traits or are they influenced by the environment. When Genie the wild child was found, she represented a tabula rasa “blank state” of learning due to the limited basic skills she had, and incapability to speak. Hence, psychologists examined the nature versus nurture argument through Genie. The early stages of growth are fundamentally crucial for children because they need human contact, affection, and interaction to fully develop a sense of self and be fully integrated into society. The absence of proper socialization during those critical periods caused Genie to develop differently than the rest.
An age-long research topic in Psychology has been the issue of nature versus nurture issue. Nature versus nurture refers to the extent to which an individual’s genetics (inherited traits) or immediate society affects his or her personal growth. A very vivid example of the role nature or nurture plays in determining will be my personality. For example, my father and mother have mild temperaments, so I was raised in a somewhat conservative home. In my case, pro-nature supporters argue that my genetic makeup will largely determine the personality traits I develop. In this case, if I inherited a mild temperament, then I will most likely reflect such personality traits. Nurture supporters on the other hand,
My nature versus nurture argumentative essay was my favorite piece of work written this year. I was debating whether I actually wanted it in my writing portfolio as the main essay or if I should have just stuck with my Fahrenheit 451 essay. I didn't end up using it as my main essay but I knew I wanted it in my portfolio. When I realized that I could then add an extra piece of writing as extra credit I knew I had to add my essay. I enjoy writing argumentative essay´s and I thought that the assignment given to us was a really intriguing subject. I was also very proud of my title which was ¨A Manś Innocence Corrupted By Society¨. I spent so much time researching in order to find the perfect pieces of evidence which is why I think I feel so
The basic elements of the nature-nurture controversy, debates the genetic or environmental effects of IQ, personality and behavioral differences in humans. Nature describes an inherited trait, otherwise known as the genes, containing the genetic code for each individual born. These genes contribute the physical characteristics, for example: eye color, skin pigmentation, hair texture, blood type, longevity, etc. Genes impose certain diseases, such as Huntington 's Chorea, Breast Cancer, Down Syndrome, and many more. Nurture describes an influence on the individual by the surrounding environment. This surrounding environment includes: parenting, culture, learned experiences, nutrition, exposure to toxins, pollutants and medications. In summary, scholars have been in debate for years over the issue determining the development of an individual from birth to an adult. Are issue of IQ, personality and behavior, inborn or are they learned? Or is it both? The nature-nurture controversy continues still today (McLeod, S. A. (2007).
Nature versus nurture has long been debated, especially in psychological research. Are humans’ development preconceived by their genes, or developed during their life cycle from experiences? As time has pasts and many studies have been created, many scientists have put their input on whether nature, or nurture, has a major impact on shaping humans. Two psychologist, Aristotle and Plato, are two individuals who studied and argued this topic heavily. Plato thought that our character, intelligence, and certain ideas are inborn, while Aristotle contended that everything in the mind comes from our senses and the external world. (Myers & Dewall, 8) I strongly believe that while both may play a huge part in shaping us, nature has the most to do with
Before the concept of nature versus nurture can be broken down and examined, first there must be a proper understanding of both terms. In context of nature versus nurture, “nature” refers to a person’s biological factors, such as the hereditary factors passed down from the genes of their birth parents. Whereas “nurture” refers to an individual’s personal experience and environment that shapes them into who they are, and gave them a form of identity. Montag et al (2016), work suggests that while in some cases nurture can be an influence on
The nature vs. nurture debate has been a debate that has lasted through the ages about what the effects of biology as well as social influences has on a person and their behavior. The “nature” side of the debate argues that people are genetically predetermined to behave and react to situations in a certain way. The “nurture” side of the debate argues that our participation in social life is the most important factor in determining who we are and how we behave. Each side of this debate has very good points to argue its validity, making hard to decide whether a person's development is predisposed in their DNA, or a majority of it is influenced by life experiences and their environment. Today, we know that both nature and nurture play important
Nurture refers to all the environmental variables that impact who we are, including our early
Some people believe that nature and nurture are the same thing, but in fact they are actually completely different. While the behaviors that result from both may be similar, the reason and explanation behind these influences comes from a very different place. Nature versus nurture is an ongoing debate among individuals that study psychology. There are behaviors that are given through genetics and “nature” that make us unique, while nurturing from our environmental elements can make a difference in the quality of our performance.
This is an ongoing debate and understandably so. I do believe that both nature and nurture play apart in development. Nature in my opinion I 'd suggest that one of the reasons that people believe in the nurture effect is that