Ch. 3: Nature vs. Nurture:Genes, Evolution, Environment

Slides by:Wade & Tavris, 2009

Myers, 2010

Nature, Nurture, and Human Diversity

NatureBehavior Genetics: Predicting Individual Differences Genes: Our Codes for Life Twin and Adoption Studies Temperament and Heredity Heritability Gene-Environment Interaction The New Frontier: Molecular Genetics

NurtureParents and Peers Parents and Early Experiences Peer Influence

NurtureCultural Influences Variations Across Cultures Variations Over Time Culture and the Self Culture and Child-Rearing Developmental Similarities

Across Groups

Variation Across CultureCultures differ. Each culture develops norms – rules for accepted and expected behavior. Men

holding hands in Saudi Arabia is the norm (closer personal space), but not in American culture.

Jason Reed/ R

euters/Corbis

Twin and Adoption Studies

Studying the effects of heredity and environment on two sets of twins, identical

and fraternal, has come in handy.

Nature and NurtureSome human traits are fixed, such as having

two eyes. However, most psychological traits are liable to change with environmental

experience.

Genes provide choices for the organism to change its form or traits when

environmental variables change. Therefore, genes are pliable or self-regulating.

Innate human characteristicsInfant reflexes

Interest in novelty

Desire to explore and manipulate objects

Impulse to play and fool around

Basic cognitive skills

3

Reflections on Nature and Nurture