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Chapter 1: Problem 3

What is the relation between nature and nurture in shaping psychological processes? For example, how can we understand that the likelihood of getting killed in an accident is heritable? To what extent is intelligence inherited? How do we account for data showing remarkable similarities between identical twins who have been reared apart?

Short Answer

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Nature and nurture both contribute to shaping psychological processes. Accident rates have a genetic aspect as risk-taking behaviour can be heritable, but environmental factors also play a role. Intelligence is estimated to be 50%-80% heritable, depending on the study, but is also influenced by environmental factors. Studies with identical twins separated at birth show nuclear similarities due to genetics but also notable differences due to variance in environmental exposure.

Step by step solution

01

Understanding Nature vs Nurture

The nature and nurture debate is a longstanding controversy in psychology, which questions if human behaviour is determined by the environment, genetics or a combination of both. Nature refers to all the genetic and hereditary factors that influence who we are, from our physical appearance to our personality traits. Nurture, on the other hand, refers to all the environmental factors which have impacted us since we were conceived. This includes how our parents reared us, what school we went to, our experiences and relationships, etc.
02

Linking Hereditary Factors and Accident Rates

While it may sound unusual, research suggests there may be hereditary factors involved in accidental death rates. Research has shown that risk-taking behaviour can have genetic aspects, which might make some individuals more prone to getting involved in accidents. These studies suggest a nature influence on this particular regard.
03

Discussing Heritability of Intelligence

Intelligence has been found to be highly heritable, with estimates ranging from 50% to 80% heritability according to different studies. However, it is also shaped by environmental factors like education, diet, and stimulation during childhood, among others, hinting at an influence of nurture.
04

Explaining Similarities among Separated Identical Twins

Studies of identical twins raised apart have given us fascinating insights into the nature-nurture debate. While identical twins share 100% of their genes, those who have been reared separately will have different environmental influences. However, these studies have found that such twins show remarkable similarities, which suggest the influence of genetics (nature) on various aspects of their lives. But, the extent of these similarities is not absolute, indicating a role for environmental factors (nurture) as well.

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Most popular questions from this chapter

To what extent is human nature particular versus universal? In other words, to what extent is human nature relatively invariant as opposed to culturally variable? Is logical reasoning universal, for example, or do people use different kinds of "logic" in different cultures? Do children follow similar patterns of language development throughout the world?

To what extent are psychological processes the same in men and women? For example, to what extent do gender differences in linguistic and spatial problem solving reflect differential evolutionary selection pressures? Why might men and women make different attributions for their own successes and failures? Are men and women similarly affected by a partner's infidelity?
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