Child Development Factors - Nature vs Nurture

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Questions and Answers

What percentage of heritability is associated with bipolar disorder?

70% (correct)

50%

30%

90%

Which of the following factors is most emphasized by the nurture side of the nature vs nurture debate?

Environmental influences (correct)

Innate intelligence

Genetic predisposition

Biological determinism

Who is a historical figure known for attributing intelligence mainly to genetic factors?

Charles Darwin

Francis Galton (correct)

B.F. Skinner

Sigmund Freud

What role does proper nourishment play in the development of height according to the content?

It is necessary for achieving genetic height potential. Signup and view all the answers

In the Kellogg study, what was the primary objective of raising a chimpanzee with a human child?

To compare similarities and differences in behavior. Signup and view all the answers

Which argument do researchers use to explain lower IQ scores in certain groups?

Cultural biases in testing. Signup and view all the answers

How can the nature vs nurture debate be summarized regarding height development?

Both genetics and nutrition are important for reaching height potential. Signup and view all the answers

What misconception might arise from attributing lower IQ scores to genetics?

Environmental factors play no role in performance. Signup and view all the answers

What is the main focus of heredity in the context of development?

The sum total of genetic potentialities at birth Signup and view all the answers

Which law of heredity suggests that both parents contribute equally to the traits of their offspring?

Convergence of two lives Signup and view all the answers

What is a consequence of malnutrition on child development?

Failure to grow in terms of weight and height Signup and view all the answers

How does urbanization most positively affect child development?

Through improved food supply and sanitation Signup and view all the answers

During which conditions is accelerated growth most likely to be observed?

During specific seasonal periods Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following statements about genetic versus environmental influences is true?

Environment sets limits on the expression of genetic potential Signup and view all the answers

What impact does socioeconomic status have on child development?

It can provide better care and education Signup and view all the answers

What is a common outcome for children exposed to urban slum conditions?

They maintain heights and weights similar to rural children Signup and view all the answers

What is the main argument of the nature versus nurture debate?

Both genetics and environment interact to shape behavior. Signup and view all the answers

What methodology is primarily used to assess the impact of genetics versus the environment in the nature vs. nurture debate?

Twin studies. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following statements about intelligence is supported by historical perspectives?

Intellectual abilities can be significantly improved through environmental exposure. Signup and view all the answers

How have researchers quantified the contributions of nature and nurture?

By analyzing the results of twin studies conducted over several decades. Signup and view all the answers

What was the determined percentage regarding the impact of genetics and environment on personality traits and diseases?

49% genetics and 51% environment. Signup and view all the answers

What role does nutrition play in child development according to the nature vs. nurture discussion?

Nutrition significantly influences physical and cognitive development. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best describes the consensus among contemporary researchers about nature and nurture?

Both play equal roles in shaping an individual. Signup and view all the answers

How does the nature versus nurture debate view the role of genetics in certain diseases?

Genetics plays a greater risk role in certain diseases compared to environmental factors. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Nature vs. Nurture in Child Development

Nature: Proponents argue that genetics solely determine aspects of life, including intelligence and physical traits, as influenced by one's genetic makeup.
Nurture: Emphasizes the environment's critical role in shaping an individual’s intelligence and abilities, asserting that genetics has minimal influence on personal development.
Debate Context: Both sides provide verifiable evidence making it complex for theorists to disprove the opposing view, leading to a more integrated perspective that sees interaction between nature and nurture as significant.

Contributions of Nature and Nurture

Research suggests a near-equal contribution to human behaviors, with roughly 50% attributed to genetics and 50% to environmental factors.
Twin Studies: Analyzed over 2,700 studies involving 14.5 million twins, revealing that genetic influence on personality traits and diseases is about 49% and 51% from environmental factors.
Certain diseases, like bipolar disorder, display a higher heritability rate (approximately 70%).

Examples Affecting Intelligence and Height

IQ Development: Early thinkers like Francis Galton attributed intelligence largely to genetics, whereas others highlight environmental factors, including bias and systemic discrimination, impacting test outcomes.
Height and Nutrition: Genetic predispositions for height can be inhibited by improper nutrition; access to adequate nourishment is vital for achieving genetic height potential.

Kellogg Study on Environmental Influence

Researchers Winthrop and Luella Kellogg raised a female chimpanzee, Gua, alongside their son, Donald, in a controlled environment to study similarities and differences in development based on environmental factors.

Heredity Overview

Definition: Heredity is the total potential inherited at birth, involving genetic traits passed from parents to offspring via chromosomes.
Genetic inheritance influences physical characteristics, temperament, and behavioral predispositions while setting limits on potential based on environmental facilitation.
Laws of Heredity:
- Like produces like: Offspring resemble their parents.
- Dominant traits are more easily inherited than recessive ones.
- Both parents contribute equally to offspring traits.

Environmental Factors in Development

Nutrition: Malnutrition leads to growth failure; timely correction in childhood can result in full recovery and standard growth outcomes.
Socioeconomic Status: Higher status correlates with better education, nutrition, and healthcare, promoting improved growth and overall development.
Urbanization Impact: Urbanization often results in taller stature due to better food supply, health services, and education; however, disparities exist in developing nations.
Climate and Seasonal Influence: Growth rates fluctuate seasonally, with significant peaks during growth surges compared to slower periods.

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Description

This quiz explores the key factors influencing growth and development in children, focusing on the debate between nature and nurture. It examines how genetics and environmental influences shape intelligence and physical attributes. Ideal for autumn 2024 psychology classes under Dr. Prama Bhattacharya.