Developmental Psychology How do we end up as the people we are?

Nature vs. Nurture Argument Nature = genetics/heredity, Nurture = environment What are behaviors or parts of who we are that are influenced by genetics? What are behaviors or parts of who we are that are influenced by our environment? Who is somebody who has had a BIG impact on your life and why? Support your answer with specifics.

Nature Forces Heredity – traits/characteristics passed from parent to offspring genes – basic unit of heredity (made up of DNA) chromosomes – contain full set of genes (23 pair = 46 genes) zygote – reproductive cell contains 1 gene from every pair male sperm (23 genes) + female egg (23 genes) = fertilized egg (46 genes) offspring is a combination of traits from mother and father Charles Darwin – natural selection survival of the fittest – those with the best genetic make-up will be the most likely to survive species seek out the most desirable traits to ensure that the species continues to exist

Nature Forces Science genetic engineering stem cell research taking control of natural selection being able to choose characteristics of offspring test tube babies stem cell research using genetic material from fetuses/newborns to create new organic material grow new organs or limbs repair damage to the body (paralysis) cloning – creating an exact replica genetic testing – being able to identify genetic problems (diseases, defects, etc.) can detect several defects and diseases in the womb

Nature Free Write Topics Would you want to know if your child has a genetic disorder/defect (dwarfism, deafness, blindness, down’s syndrome) and why? How would that knowledge affect your attitude about the birth of your child?

Nurture Forces Environment family peers media (including social media) community religion

Nurture Forces Parenting Style permissive – little or no control child left to regulate him/herself authoritarian – rigid & inflexible control parent(s) make nearly all decision authoritative – parent in-charge, but flexible dialogue between child and parent about rules and consequences

Nurture Free Write Topics Rank the environmental forces from most influential to the least influential. Identify your parents’ parenting style. Has it changed as you’ve gotten older? What type of parenting style would you use and why?

Assignments Use periodicals (magazines, newspapers, etc.) or internet resources to make a collage that represents the major influences that the media has had on today’s youth (you!). The assignment can be done in any format you want (ex. Paper, Prezi, Word, iMovie, etc.) but it must be SCHOOL APPROPRIATE! Have fun with the assignment and it is due on Monday. Create a vocabulary page (to be continued throughout unit)