Nature vs. Nurture: Leaning Towards the Nurture Theory

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Is nature responsible for the way children think and behave, or is it due to the way a child is nurtured? Scientists and psychologists have been debating the subject of nature versus nurture for decades. The term “nature” refers to heredity, or the genetic traits passed down from parent to child (Powell, 2010). Researchers all over the world attempt to prove that genetics is the sole explanation of a child’s intelligence and personality. Human DNA determines traits such as eye color, nose shape, and hair color. While a child’s DNA can determine his or her risk of Down Syndrome, heart disease, or cancer; there is not significant proof of DNA determining personality traits (Heredity, 2011). The nurture side of the argument refers to a child’s upbringing. This includes where and how the child was raised and in what circumstances (Powell, 2010). A child’s environment can determine if he or she grows into a well behaved young person, or one with personality issues (Onkal, 2005). Nurture also refers to a child’s life experiences. These experiences shape and define the way a child thinks and acts (Onkal, 2005). Research has been conducted for both sides of the Nature vs. Nurture debate and, while no solid conclusion has come to the argument, research tends to favor the environment’s influence on personality.

The first side of the nature versus nurture debate is the nature theory. The nature theory states that characteristics such as eye and hair colors, as well as personality and intelligence, are all determined by one’s genetic code (Powell, 2010). A person’s genetic code, or DNA, is determined by the DNA of both biological parents. This passing of traits from both parents to their offspring is called heredity. Each pare...

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...arning Place Online. Learning Place Online. Web. 30 Sept. 2011. .

Onkal, Rustem, Andrea Levine, Jack Payne, Nate Vernon, and Michael Blithe. "Neuroscience Of Intelligence." Macalester College: Private Liberal Arts College. Macalester College, Spring 2005. Web. 12 Sept. 2011. .

Powell, Kimberly. "Nature vs Nurture - How Heredity and Environment Shape Who We Are." About Genealogy - Learn How to Research Your Family Tree. A New York Times Company, 19 July 2010. Web. 12 Sept. 2011. .

Vargas, Julie S. "A Brief Biography of B.F. Skinner." B.F. Skinner Foundation. 2005. Web. 12 Sept. 2011. .

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