Nature vs. Nurtyre

Essay by keadams711University, Bachelor's May 2014

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NATURE VS. NURTURE 2

NATURE VS. NURTURE 6

Nature vs. Nurture

Kimberly Adams

Western Governors University

GLT1

Task - SSS 111.6.3-14

Issues in Behavioral Science

April 17, 2014

Running head: NATURE VS. NURTURE 1

Nature vs. Nurture

For decades many have debated that it is hereditary that determines who we are rather than our environment. This is known as the nature versus nurture debate. The debate itself has grown to include many elements as science and the study of genes and traits have progressed. Many studies have been conducted, including some controversial studies involving identical twins in an effort to once and for all, determine if it is in our makeup or within our surroundings that influences an individual to become who they are. In a comparison and contrast of these studies, it becomes clear that it is not one or the other that determines an individual, but a combination of both.

Elements of Controversy

The elements to this controversy involve the differing belief that it is either nature or nurture that is most important for the development of an individual. Nature is the genetic makeup of a person, such as their brown hair, green eyes and pigmentation of their skin. But nature includes more than the physical characteristics of a person, and also suggests that behaviors of an individual are due to their natural instinct to do so, because of their genetic predisposition. Nature can also be responsible for the development of hereditary disease and the predisposition of other disease processes, such as diabetes. However, just because an individual is born with a family history of a disease, such as diabetes, does not mean that the individual will get the disease, as they can learn and employ certain behaviors to prevent it. If an individual is who they are...