Our environment shapes how our genes affect us though. Genes work in mysterious ways and we may not enjoy what the give to us. Good or bad, genes are what turn on nurture so our environment can shape who we are, how we behave, and possibly who we love. Ridley certainly backs his theories with much evidence and this book strongly displays his opinion of how nature brings about nurture. From the text, I gathered that Ridley wrote The Agile Gene from a biological perspective of psychology.
Environmentalist would later argue that the environment in which one is brought up had a much larger role in shaping the mind; these two contrasting views have set the stage for this much argued debate. More recently, nature-nurture, research has been aimed at answering “how much” of our genes or environment have an effect on specific traits and behavior, such as intelligence, and which of these two elemental factors is more important on the development of such traits. Much insight into the debate of nature-nurture is afforded to the research and data obtained through twin, adoption and family studies; with identical twin studies being the most valuable. I have chosen two studies to compare and contrast over the debate of nature-nurture. The first is a longitudinal adoption study; Nature, Nurture, and Cognitive Development from 1 to 16 years: A Parent-Offspring Adoption Study (1).
The biological approach does seem to be supported by the tragic case study of David Reimer. Money and Erhardt followed this case over many years, and were instrumental in David being brought up as a girl after an accident that severely damaged his penis. They viewed gender as being neutral until around the age of three, and believed that any child could have their gender changed. They encouraged the Reimer’s to bring David up as a girl; Brenda. Despite being socialised as a girl, David always felt ´different'
Running Head: NATURE VS. NURTURE-THE GREAT DEBATE 1 Nature vs. Nurture: The Great Debate Jeffery Gray, RN Western Governors University September 2014 NATURE VS. NURTURE: THE GREATE DEBATE 2 Abstract Describe the basic elements of the nature-nurture controversy. There are two different rationales for the origin, cause, or source of human behavior. Researchers and Scientists alike suggest that behavior is either the result of nature or nurture. Nature suggests that human behavior is the result of a genetic disposition, in other words, an individual’s behavior exists at birth, it is innate, they are born with the behavior inside of them. However, nurture suggests that an individual’s behavior is learned, it is the result or by-product of the environment in which the individual was reared or existed.
Nature in terms of health and social care defines as the qualities we are born with that makes us what we are. Nurture defines as how we are influenced as a child by the environment around us, including other people. Many scientists, philosophers and researches argue that individuals’ personalities and talents come from their DNA and many others argue that the majority of it is influenced by life experiences and the environment. There have been studies involving identical and fraternal twins to find out if it is the genetics (nature) or environment (nurture), which was the effective one on the case of personality development. Which side of the debate is more influential?
Nature versus Nurture Craig D Jensen Western Governors University Abstract This paper will discuss the nature versus nurture controversy by comparing and contrasting two different case studies already done. We will discuss the controversies around this topic as well as the similarities and differences between the studies. And finally discuss the conclusions that were made from each of the studies. Nature versus Nurture One of the oldest debates in psychology is over whether specific aspects of a person’s behavior are a product of nature (i.e. genetics) or nurtured (i.e.
Running head: NATURE VS NURTURE: TWO STUDIES Nature vs Nurture: Two Studies Lesli A. Hill Western Governors University Nature vs Nurture: Two Studies Almost since the beginning of time, humans have tried to figure out why we are the way we are. Are our traits the result of our genetics, or our living situation? This question is the crux of the raging debate called “nature versus nurture.” The nature vs. nurture debate is all about determining whether we are shaped more by heredity or environment, and it has been applied to everything from intelligence to disease processes to sexual orientation. Proponents of the nature theory believe that we are destined have certain qualities because they are pre-programmed into our DNA, while supporters of the nurture theory believe that we learn our
1If a mother has the gene for it, her daughter might also. In that sense, it can be said that twins run in the family, but on the mother's side only. Fathers don't ovulate, so they don't impact twinning
"Designer Babies: Ethical Considerations (ActionBioscience)." ActionBioscience - promoting bioscience literacy. 01 Dec. 2012 <http://www.actionbioscience.org/biotech/agar.html>. Anissimov, Michael. "The Great Designer Baby Controversy of ’09 | h Magazine."
Being raised by a single mother has also taught me this lesson, because my mother took on the role of being both a mother and father to my sister and I. Overall I believe I have learned how to be a strong independent women just like my