Ch.dev. 1/21

Introduction to Nature versus Nurture

• The concept of nature versus nurture is fundamental in health development.

• Many students are familiar with this concept from introductory psychology classes.

Nature and Nurture Defined

• Nature: Refers to heritable traits encoded in our DNA, influencing physical and behavioral traits.

• Nurture: Encompasses all environmental factors that impact development, including in utero influences, not just events after birth.

• Nurture begins at conception and continues throughout life.

Debate: Nature vs. Nurture

• A discussion among students revealed different views on which aspect is more influential in development:

  • One perspective favors nurture, citing numerous external factors shaping behavior and experiences.

  • Another acknowledges nature, emphasizing the critical role of genetic makeup.

• Contemporary research leans toward both as interacting influences on development.

Historical Perspectives on Nature vs. Nurture

• Historically, researchers often polarized into camps advocating strictly for nature or strictly for nurture.

• Early developmental scientists believed environmental factors (nurture) had the most significant impact.

• Current understanding recognizes the interplay of genetic factors (nature) and environmental influences (nurture).

Epigenetics Explained

• Epigenetics: A field that studies how genes are activated or silenced by environmental factors.

• Environmental triggers can turn on genes linked to health problems, such as cancer.

• The focus is on understanding how to manage gene expression to promote well-being.

Case Study: Three Identical Strangers

• In 1980, Robert discovered he had a twin brother, Eddie, upon starting college.

• This led to the revelation of a third identical triplet, David, found through a newspaper story.

• The triplets were part of a twin study aimed at understanding nature vs. nurture by observing identical twins raised apart.

• Their separation for research purposes is now considered unethical due to the lack of informed consent from adoptive parents.

Influences on Personality and Development

• The triplets exhibited behavioral similarities, suggesting a genetic influence on personality despite different environmental experiences.

• The discussion highlighted the importance of recognizing the roles of both heredity and environment in shaping individuals.

Bronfenbrenner's Ecological Systems Theory

• Ecological Model: Developed by Yuri Bronfenbrenner to illustrate how various environmental layers affect individual development.

  • Microsystem: Immediate environment (e.g., family, peers, school).

  • Mesosystem: Interconnections between different microsystems (e.g., relationships between home and school).

  • Exosystem: External environmental settings indirectly affecting the individual (e.g., media, community resources).

  • Macrosystem: Cultural values and ideologies influencing behavior (e.g., individualism vs. collectivism).

  • Chronosystem: Temporal changes in environments that impact development over time (e.g., historical events).

Nature vs. Nurture Conclusion

• Researchers emphasize that both nature and nurture contribute to development.

• The engaging mantra for students: "Is it nature or nurture? Both!"

Continuity vs. Discontinuity in Development

• Ongoing research surveys whether development occurs in a gradual, continuous manner or through distinct, discontinuous stages.

• Historical theories (Freud, Erikson, Piaget) suggest discontinuous development, while recent research explores continuous models.

Research Methodologies in Developmental Psychology

Types of Research Approaches

1. Descriptive Research: Collects data on populations to provide a snapshot of behaviors and characteristics.

2. Correlational Research: Examines the relationship between two variables using Pearson's r, indicating strength and direction (positive/negative).

3. Experimental Research: Involves manipulating an independent variable to observe effects, often challenging in child research due to ethical considerations.

Longitudinal Research Designs

• Cross-Sectional Research: Analyzes different age groups at a single point to assess variations in development.

• Longitudinal Research: Follows the same group over time to observe changes across different developmental stages.

• Sequential Research: Combines longitudinal and cross-sectional methods, analyzing different cohorts over time.

Observing Child Behavior

• Effective methods for studying children include:

  • Observation in natural or controlled settings.

  • Interactive engagement with children.

  • Surveys and questionnaires directed at children and their guardians (parents/teachers).

Looking Ahead: Prenatal Development

• The next focus will be prenatal development, understanding how various influences affect it, emphasizing the significance of early life experiences.