1. The Nature-Nurture Debate

3. Nature Refers to what people inherit The biological groundwork that prepares a person to develop in certain ways Genetics/DNA Inherited characteristics determine how we behave and think

4. Nurture Refers to environmental factors What a person is exposed to in everyday life Factors: family, education, culture, living conditions, individual experiences Environment determines how we behave and think

5. Popular Belief Most psychologists agree that nature & nurture determine our psychological traits. How much each plays a role in our development is still up for debate? –More nature & less nurture or; –More nurture & less nature.

6. Kinship Studies Studies of identical twins are ideal for determining the influences of environment (nurture) on their development because they share the same genetic make-up. Identical twins are likely to share psychological disorders, personality traits, looks, and ways of thinking.

7. Nature vs. Nurture Example…What do you think? I am an extremely sensitive person and I always cry. My Mom noticed that I am sensitive and I act the way with my feelings as she did when she was younger.

8. Nature or Nurture? My Mom said I was a really easy baby when it comes to sleeping. She said all she would have to do is put me in the crib and leave the room and I wouldn’t cry – I’d just fall asleep. I am the same way today. I go to sleep early and sleep forever!

9. Nature vs. Nurture I’ve always liked to dance, from the time I was little. I danced and my Mom encouraged it. She put me in dance classes every year from the time I was little.

10. Nature or Nurture? I am afraid of bridges. My Mom has always been afraid of bridges. I probably learned this behavior from my Mom

11. Nature vs. Nurture I don’t know if this is nature or nurture, but my Mom is the most disorganized person on the earth. From the time I was little, I have to have everything organized or I go crazy. What’s that about?

12. Nature vs. Nurture When I was younger, I enjoyed drawing and was pretty good at it. My Dad bought me a book on improving my drawing skills. My drawing skills have improved greatly.