Human Development: Nature vs. Nurture

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Questions and Answers

What is the interplay between genetic factors and environmental influences referred to as?

Individual Differences

Nature-Nurture Debate

Gene-Environment Interplay (correct)

Epigenetic processes

What is the term for changes in gene expression influenced by environmental factors?

Individual Differences

Genetic predispositions

Epigenetic processes (correct)

Environmental influences

What is the term for the diversity of differences observed in areas such as temperament, intelligence, and resilience?

Epigenetic processes

Individual Differences (correct)

Nature-Nurture Debate

Gene-Environment Interplay

What is the gradual approach to child development likened to?

A rainbow Signup and view all the answers

What is the discontinuity approach to child development likened to?

A staircase Signup and view all the answers

What is the term for the innate or biologically based predispositions that influence development?

Genetic predispositions Signup and view all the answers

What is the term for the cultural influences that shape development?

Cultural influences Signup and view all the answers

What is the term for the process of development that involves both continuity and discontinuity?

Life-Span Human Development Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary focus of evolutionary developmental psychology?

The interaction between genes and the environment in a child's development Signup and view all the answers

What is meant by 'survival of the fittest' in the context of evolution?

The ability of an individual to fit into their geographical context Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary driver of evolutionary change, according to Darwin?

Environmental pressures and natural selection Signup and view all the answers

What is the outcome of natural selection on a population over time?

The increased frequency of advantageous characteristics Signup and view all the answers

What is the role of variation in the process of evolutionary change?

It provides the raw material for natural selection to act upon Signup and view all the answers

What is the relationship between genetic factors and environmental influences in development?

They interact and influence one another Signup and view all the answers

What is an example of an adaptation that has evolved in response to environmental pressures?

The growth of longer necks in giraffes Signup and view all the answers

What are the three conditions necessary for evolutionary change to occur, according to Darwin?

Variation, competition, and environmental pressure Signup and view all the answers

What is the result of natural selection on a successful random variation in a giraffe's genes?

The variation is passed on to the next generation. Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary focus of those who emphasise the influence of nature?

Biological maturation and innate predispositions. Signup and view all the answers

What is the age range at which humans typically achieve sexual maturity?

Between 10 and 14 years old. Signup and view all the answers

What is the process by which experience brings about relatively permanent changes in thoughts, feelings, and behaviour?

Learning. Signup and view all the answers

What is the role of genetic inheritance in evolution?

It allows for the selection of successful variations. Signup and view all the answers

What is the main difference between those who emphasise nature and those who emphasise nurture?

Their focus on biological maturation versus learning. Signup and view all the answers

What is the result of maturational changes in the brain?

Increased memory and problem-solving skills. Signup and view all the answers

What is included in the concept of environmental influence?

All external physical and social conditions, stimuli, and events. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Nature vs. Nurture

Interaction between nature (genes) and nurture (environment) influences human development
Gene-environment interplay: genetic factors and environmental influences interact dynamically
Epigenetics: environmental factors influence gene expression, leading to lasting effects on development
Individual differences: unique interplay between nature and nurture contributes to diversity in temperament, intelligence, and resilience

Continuity and Discontinuity in Child Development

Continuity: gradual and smooth development over time, like a rainbow
Discontinuity: abrupt changes from one stage to the next, like a staircase
Both perspectives are observed in child development, with some features being more continuous (e.g., temperament) and others being more discontinuous

Evolutionary Developmental Psychology

Studies the interaction between genes and environment in a child's development
Based on Darwin's theory of evolution through natural selection
Evolution refers to gradual changes in an organism's physical structure over generations
"Survival of the fittest" refers to an individual's fit to their environment, not physical fitness

Evolutionary Change

Three conditions must hold for evolutionary change to occur:
- Variation: random variation in the population affords an advantage
- Competition: the variation enables successful competition for resources
- Inheritance: the successful variation is passed on to the next generation through genes

Nature (Heredity)

Emphasizes the influence of heredity, universal maturational processes guided by genes
Innate or inborn, product of maturation, and biological influences on everyday hormones and neurotransmitters
Examples: unfolding of human development in the womb, walking and talking at around 1 year, sexual maturity, and graying in 40s and 50s

Nurture (Environment)

Emphasizes changes in response to the environment
External physical and social conditions, stimuli, and events that affect development
Examples: crowded living quarters, polluted air, social interactions, and cultural context
Learning is the process through which experience brings about relatively permanent changes in thoughts, feelings, and behavior

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Description

Understand the concept of nature and nurture in human development, including the interplay between genetic and environmental factors. Learn about the role of heredity, maturation, and learning in shaping human behavior and development.