Nature vs. Nurture

Whenever behaviour is caused by genetic inheritance (nature) or environmental influences (nurture) is one of the oldest issues debated by psychologists.

The truth is, everything we think and do is a result of the interaction of our genes and our environment

• Almost all of the genes are turned off and what determines if they turn on is the environment to which those genes are exposed
• “Our genes provide a range of options. They do not specify what behaviour within that range will occur in a given environmental context.”

One way psychologists have tried to determine the role of nature and nurture is through twin studies.

1. Define heredity

Physical and personality characteristics that are passed through generations \n

2. What environmental factors may have an impact on a person’s development?

Family, peers, and socio-economic statistics

3. What problem(s) do you see with Aaron Stern’s experiment?

I think the main problem is that Aaron’s daughter was born for the purpose of an experiment instead of a normal life. This could affect other factors such as personality, cooperation with peers and more. Edith may have a hard time obtaining a social life outside of rigorous studies.

4. Are identical twins really identical? Explain.

Identical twins are not identical because they may have differences in their chromosomes. For example, one X chromosome for a female twin can be dominant compared to the other female twin.

5. Are twin studies useful in your opinion? Explain.

Twin studies are useful as we have many genes that separate us. So it is interesting and fascinating to see similarities within twins, and to discover that a lot of us can be similar in many shocking ways.

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