According to experts in child development, human behavior is influenced by hereditary or environmental factors. Myerson said that genetics play a major role in human behavior. In other words, children are born with the propensity to behave in a certain way. On the other hand, Paris and Barnes highlighted the impact of the environment and other influencing factors that shape individual personality. However, general observations of children will reveal the interconnection between hereditary and social factors when it comes to human behavior.
Defining Nature and Nurture
The nature versus nurture issue focuses on the importance of heredity as a major factor in determining a person’s behavioral tendencies (Nevid, 2009, p.324). In other words, biology plays a major role in a child’s development. The idea is based on Darwin’s theory of evolution. Theorists like Arnold Gesell assert that “child development proceeds through a series of genetically determined changes that unfold according to nature’s plan” (Nevid, 2009, p.324). The influence of Charles Darwin on this particular era must not be underestimated. Darwin’s theory about natural selection highlights the impact of genetics on the development of organisms. If this theoretical framework is true, then, environmental factors cannot influence a child’s behavior.
Theorists, like John Watson, proposed a different worldview. They asserted that “behavior is determined by learning and experience” (Nevid, 2009, p.324). In other words, “they are shaped by the environment, in which they are raised” (Shaffer, 2009, p.11). Watson was heavily influenced by the prevailing mindset of that era; the concept of behaviorism took root during this period. It was an idea characterized by the importance of observable behavior. If this theoretical framework is true, then, social scientists can point to social factors as the only explanation for a child’s behavior. However, general observation of grade school children will show that it is not prudent to choose between genetics and social factors, as the main reason for human behavior. These two forces work together to influence human behavior.
Examples of General Observations
A casual review of children’s behavior seems to justify the polarizing view found in the nature versus nurture issue. Evidence for the biological basis of behavior is evident in the scholastic, and athletic performance of siblings. The following table provides pertinent information regarding the said observations.
Table 1. The Nature versus Nurture Dichotomy General Observations from zero age to Third Grade Students
Table 2. General Observations of Children from Zero Age to Third Grade Students and the Display of Interconnectedness of Nature and Nurture
Conclusion
Based on general observations of children, from babies to third-grade students, it is impossible to dichotomize genetics and the impact of the environment on human behavior. Heredity and environmental factors are intertwined. Therefore, hereditary factors explain the propensity to behave in a certain way. However, without the power of nurture or environmental forces, a particular type of behavior or performance will never manifest.
References
Keating, D. (2011). Nature and nurture in early child development. New York: Cambridge University Press.
Nevid, J. (2009). Psychology: Concepts and applications. MA: Houghton Mifflin Co.
Shaffer, D. (2009). Social and personality development. CA: Wadsworth Publishing.