Nature vs. Nurture. Differences and Common Traits

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Table of Contents

Defining Nature and Nurture
Examples of General Observations
Conclusion
References

According to experts in child development, human behavior is influenced by hereditary or environmental factors. Myerson said that genetics play a major role in human behavior. In other words, children are born with the propensity to behave in a certain way. On the other hand, Paris and Barnes highlighted the impact of the environment and other influencing factors that shape individual personality. However, general observations of children will reveal the interconnection between hereditary and social factors when it comes to human behavior.

Defining Nature and Nurture

The nature versus nurture issue focuses on the importance of heredity as a major factor in determining a persons behavioral tendencies (Nevid, 2009, p.324). In other words, biology plays a major role in a childs development. The idea is based on Darwins theory of evolution. Theorists like Arnold Gesell assert that child development proceeds through a series of genetically determined changes that unfold according to natures plan (Nevid, 2009, p.324). The influence of Charles Darwin on this particular era must not be underestimated. Darwins theory about natural selection highlights the impact of genetics on the development of organisms. If this theoretical framework is true, then, environmental factors cannot influence a childs behavior.

Theorists, like John Watson, proposed a different worldview. They asserted that behavior is determined by learning and experience (Nevid, 2009, p.324). In other words, they are shaped by the environment, in which they are raised (Shaffer, 2009, p.11). Watson was heavily influenced by the prevailing mindset of that era; the concept of behaviorism took root during this period. It was an idea characterized by the importance of observable behavior. If this theoretical framework is true, then, social scientists can point to social factors as the only explanation for a childs behavior. However, general observation of grade school children will show that it is not prudent to choose between genetics and social factors, as the main reason for human behavior. These two forces work together to influence human behavior.

Examples of General Observations

A casual review of childrens behavior seems to justify the polarizing view found in the nature versus nurture issue. Evidence for the biological basis of behavior is evident in the scholastic, and athletic performance of siblings. The following table provides pertinent information regarding the said observations.

Table 1. The Nature versus Nurture Dichotomy General Observations from zero age to Third Grade Students

General Observations	Hereditary Factors	Social & Environmental Factors
Disparity in intelligence quotient	Specific hereditary traits influence IQ levels.	Training and nutrition helps improve IQ levels.
Performance in sports related activities	The ability to perform at a higher level is based on biological factors.	Training and nutrition improves the performance of children performing physically demanding tasks.
Siblings are found to have the same level of mental capacity to solve complex mathematical problems	The ability to solve complex mathematical problems was inherited from the parents hence the same capabilities are manifested within the same family unit.	Siblings were exposed to the same type of nurturing environment that brought about the same type performance.
Siblings are found to have the same athletic ability	Athletic prowess is influenced by certain genetic factors.	Athletic prowess is the byproduct of nutrition and training.
Siblings are found to have the propensity for certain behavior, such as interest in arts and other hobbies	Hereditary factors influence behavior.	Exposure to certain ideas and social interaction with like-minded people encourages the expression of certain abilities.

Table 2. General Observations of Children from Zero Age to Third Grade Students and the Display of Interconnectedness of Nature and Nurture

General Observations	Interconnection of Hereditary and Social Factors
Disparity in intelligence quotient	genetics play an important role in mental development, however, without proper nutrition and access to quality education, IQ levels are low
Performance in sports related activities	the ability to perform at a higher level is based on biological factors, however, training and nutrition improves the performance of children when it comes to performing physically demanding tasks
Siblings are found to have the same level of mental capacity to solve complex mathematical problems	the ability to solve complex mathematical problems is inherited from the parents, hence the same capabilities are manifested within the same family unit, however, siblings were exposed to the same type of nurturing environment that brought about the same type performance
Siblings are found to have the same athletic ability	athletic prowess is influenced by certain genetic factors, however, athletic prowess is also the byproduct of nutrition and training.
Siblings are found to have the propensity for certain behavior, such as interest in arts and other hobbies	hereditary factors influence behavior, however, exposure to certain ideas and social interaction with like-minded people encourages the expression of certain abilities (Keating, 2010).

Conclusion

Based on general observations of children, from babies to third-grade students, it is impossible to dichotomize genetics and the impact of the environment on human behavior. Heredity and environmental factors are intertwined. Therefore, hereditary factors explain the propensity to behave in a certain way. However, without the power of nurture or environmental forces, a particular type of behavior or performance will never manifest.

References

Keating, D. (2011). Nature and nurture in early child development. New York: Cambridge University Press.

Nevid, J. (2009). Psychology: Concepts and applications. MA: Houghton Mifflin Co.

Shaffer, D. (2009). Social and personality development. CA: Wadsworth Publishing.

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Nature vs. Nurture. Differences and Common Traits

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