Chapter 1: Problem 6

Summarize the influence of nature and nurture on development.

Short Answer

Expert verified

Nature and nurture both profoundly influence development. Nature influences involve genetic or biological factors that people inherit, and nurture factors are the various environmental influences that impact people after birth. However, in practical terms, these factors don't work in isolation but interact in a complex way to shape a person's development.

Step by step solution

Understanding the influence of Nature

Nature refers to the biological or genetic predispositions that impact human development. This includes genetic traits passed down from parents, such as eye color, height, as well as inherent predispositions towards certain diseases or mental and physical developments. It is determined at the moment of conception and deeply influences an individual's development process.

Understanding the influence of Nurture

Nurture includes all environmental factors that affect a person after birth. It encompasses the effects of upbringing, culture, experiences, societal norms, and societal expectations. Nurture shapes and refines skills and habits that can influence choices, behaviors, and attitudes.

Discussing the Interaction between Nature and Nurture

While nature and nurture have distinct influences, in reality, development is influenced by a sophisticated interaction between the two. For instance, a child may have a genetic predisposition for high intelligence (nature), but if they live in a deprived environment with poor access to education (nurture), they may not achieve their full potential. Similarly, someone may be genetically inclined to be tall (nature), but malnutrition (nurture) during growth years could prevent them from reaching this potential height.

Unlock Step-by-Step Solutions & Ace Your Exams!

Full Textbook Solutions
Get detailed explanations and key concepts
Unlimited Al creation
Al flashcards, explanations, exams and more...
Ads-free access
To over 500 millions flashcards
Money-back guarantee
We refund you if you fail your exam.

Start your free trial

Over 30 million students worldwide already upgrade their learning with Vaia!

Recommended explanations on Psychology Textbooks

View all explanations

What do you think about this solution?

We value your feedback to improve our textbook solutions.

Summarize the influence of nature and nurture on development.

Short Answer

Step by step solution

Understanding the influence of Nature

Understanding the influence of Nurture

Discussing the Interaction between Nature and Nurture

One App. One Place for Learning.

Most popular questions from this chapter

Recommended explanations on Psychology Textbooks

Gender

Personality in Psychology

Relationships

Clinical Psychology

Approaches in Psychology

Biological Bases of Behavior

Study anywhere. Anytime. Across all devices.