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Nature versus Nurture Experiment

Nature versus Nurture Experiment. Using Rats! . HYPOTHESIS: . “If an environment (nurture) is significant, then it can overcome heredity (nature) in regards to intelligence.” . Procedure: Step 1.

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Nature versus Nurture Experiment

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  1. Nature versus Nurture Experiment Using Rats!

  2. HYPOTHESIS: • “If an environment (nurture) is significant, then it can overcome heredity (nature) in regards to intelligence.”

  3. Procedure: Step 1 • Test a large random population for intelligence by using a maze (Assume speed to complete the maze = intelligence)

  4. Procedure: Step 2 • Separate smart rats and have them breed. Test their offspring, separate the smartest and have them breed. Do this for multiple generations to secure a population of “born smart rats.”

  5. Procedure: Step 3 • Do the same thing, with multiple generations, to secure a population of “born dumb rats.”

  6. Procedure: Step 4 • Place equal numbers of smart and dumb rats into environment #1 “Restricted Stimuli”—a covered cage. Let them stay in there for a while.

  7. Procedure: Step 5 • Place equal numbers of smart and dumb rats into environment #2 “Normal Stimuli” (a regular, normal rat cage). Let them stay in there for a while.

  8. Procedure: Step 6 • Place equal numbers of smart and dumb rats into environment #3 “Enriched stimuli” (lots of toys, bells, etc). Let them stay in there for a while.

  9. Note: • Each cage is the same in terms of size, food and water!

  10. Procedure: Step 7 • Retest ALL rats in maze

  11. Results! • Environment 1 (restricted stimuli) • Dumb rats stay dumb • Smart rats get dumb

  12. Results! • Environment #2 (normal stimuli) • Dumb rats stay dumb • Smart rats stay smart

  13. Results! • Environment #3 (Enriched stimuli) • Dumb rats get smart • Smart rats stay smart

  14. Conclusions… • What does this prove about nature v. nurture? • Remember the hypothesis of the experiment: • “If an environment (nurture) is significant, then it can overcome heredity (nature) in regards to intelligence.” • Thoughts?

  15. Conclusions… • When the environment was normal (as in environment #2) nature (heredity) seems to be the major factor in intelligence. • When the environment was significant (really bad as in environment #1 or really great as in environment #3) nurture (environment) seems to overcome nature.

  16. Human Impact? • Are slums version of the restricted cage? Is being raised in affluence comparable to being in environment #3?

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