Nature versus nurture is a “hot topic” in the world of psychology and the balance of each side’s contribution has long been debated. Consider the information provided in your textbook and recent research to discuss this topic.
- Provide a summary of the nature/nurture debate.
- What are your own thoughts on nature versus nurture? Did they change at all after reading your text, your classmate’s responses or from completing this assignment?
- Include recent research (2017-present) on at least two specific behavioral traits that have been studied. If you find non-scholarly sources (e.g., newspaper articles, magazines, etc.) feel free to include them in addition to your scholarly sources. Describe the research (e.g., what they studied and found).
- Give your thoughts on the research. Was it surprising? Controversial? Consistent with your beliefs? Did you find contradictory evidence for the role of nature and nurture for the traits you chose?
omplete the following readings from the textbook, Life-Span Human Development:
- Chapter 2: Genes, Environment, and Development
- Chapter 3: Prenatal Development and Birth
- Chapter 4: Body, Brain, and Health
In addition, refer to the following websites for optional related reading:
- Evolutionary Psychology: A primer
- MedlinePlus: Genetic Counseling
- Birth Defects: Center for Disease Control
- NOVA Online: Odyssey of Life
- MedlinePlus: Menopause
- PBS Whole Child
- Everything You Wanted to Know About Puberty
- The video is on You tube Conception to Birth visualized TED