Nature vs Nurture

1. Nature vs Nurture

2. Nature • Biologically or genetically influenced development • Some health issues may be genetically influence • Some say that a talent may be genetically influenced eg. sporting skills or music

3. Nature continued…. • A child’s maturation timetable and readiness is controlled by what is inherited. • Specific genes that are located on specific chromosomes transmit these inherited characteristics. • Humans have 46 chromosomes. • Of these 23 are inherited from the father and 23 from the mother. • At the moment of fertilisation of the egg the child’s genetic blueprint or plan is established. • Many of the child’s characteristics are determined at this time.

4. Nurture • Environmental influence on development • One may develop an interest because of exposure (say to sport or music) – then develop skills through practice • If child is denied opportunity development may be delayed

5. Nurture continued… • Learning refers to the environmental influences on the developmental process. (Nurture) • The environment encompasses all aspects of a child’s world that have either a direct or indirect impact on that child. • This can start with the mother’s health during pregnancy right through to all the experiences relationships interactions learning family School community culture religion • The impact of these environmental influences will not be the same for each person.

6. Theory • It is sometimes difficult to determine if a behaviour or skill is genetically or environmentally influenced • eg. temperament • The nature vs nurture debate is often difficult to prove – one would need to observe identical twins who were raised separately from birth