Nature VS. Nurture

Abstract

Numerous generations before us have deliberated on the reasons behind the development of human behavior. There have been many theories formulated to explain why humans behave the way they do. The surviving theories for behavior derive from physiological and sociological explanations. However, the two explanations have not always been compatible with each other. The famous nature vs. nurture debate over human behavior resulted from conflicting views between proponents of the physiological (nature) and sociological (nurture) explanations. Throughout history, research has swayed popularity back and forth between the theories. Yet, theorists have broken down the line separating nature and nurture. As of today, people utilize both explanations to explore human behavior.

Nature VS. Nurture

Introduction

In this essay I will discuss and critically analyse the Nature-Nurture debate. This essay contains relevant information regarding each perspective and theorists involved as well as evidence to support the pertinent facts from each perspective. The 'Nature-Nurture' debate is principally concerned with hereditary (nature) verses environmental influences (nurture) and particularly in this case, how each influences development of human intelligence.

Discussion

Theorists such as Herrnstein & Murray as well as Jenson do not support educational programs for underprivileged groups since "intelligence cannot be increased noticeably because a child's genetic destiny cannot be altered" (Weiten. 2001). Paradoxically theorists such as Angoff and Wahlstein support the concepts of remedial educational programs and various roles these programs play in an effort to improve lower-class schooling in financially troubled neighbourhoods. (Weiten, 2001)Twin studies have been utilised due to the fact that families share more than just genes -they most probably share the same environment. By simply analysing family studies, one would not be given a purely objective testing method as the factors of environment would be ignored while evaluating hereditary influence on intelligence. The value of twin studies is immeasurable as it provides the opportunity to compare genetic relatedness and similar environments, whether in terms of behaviour or in this case, to analyse levels of intelligence(ColeGray 1994).

Critics of twin studies argue that identical twins are more alike in IQ because parents and others treat them more similarly than they treat fraternal twins. Support could be made that identical twins are the same gender and are therefore brought up in the same manner, but at the same time, this could be rebutted by the unlikelihood of separated identical twins having a very similar IQ. (Weiten)A " 'Heritability Estimate' is an estimate of ...