Question

Discussion # 1- Nature vs. Nurture

The biggest debate in psychology, seemingly, is the one about the origin of what makes us who we are. This debate is simply referred to as the 'Nature vs. Nurture' debate. The side of nature is what we are studying in this course, the biological influences and genetics that we come into this world with (what mom and dad gave us). The nuture side of things is simply the experiences we have in life, the friends and family, and how we were raised. It's obvious that it is a combination of these 2 elements, but what do you think that split might be and why?

For example, as a "neuro nerd", I believe the split is 80% biology/genes, and 20% environment. Not everybody feels that way, nor should they. What I would like you to do this week is to make an initial post stating what percent you think is biological and what percent is environment (50/50 maybe?) and why you think it is that way.

Answer 1

In my opinion I think the ratio is 50/50 . This can be explained by taking various examples . Nature as we know involves various biological processes involved in development of an individual. Suppose an individual is born with genetic mutation which leads to some kind of cognitive disability . But it happens in very rare cases .Similarly the cognitive development of the individual is largely affected by the nurture of the external environment the individual grows . For example, two twins who are genetically the same . At the time of birth they are separated and one of them grows up in a very violent and abusive family whereas one grows up in a very supportive and loving family . The cognitive abilities of both the twins are different . Their emotional development is very different . For example the violent family teen is more aggressive and tends to behave in violent ways whereas the other individual is very calm and assertive . THis shows that after a certain time biological factors cannot affect personality development . It is the nurture that plays an important role .Biology no doubt develops the individual physically but the emotional and cognitive development is dependent on the environment. So both play an equal part in the development process.