Psychology / Unit 7: Development
7.1 Nature vs Nurture and Research Designs
Notes
Nature is the influence of genes and biology; nurture is the influence of environment and experience. Modern psychology says both interact.
- Heredity is the passing of traits through genes. Temperament is a person's basic emotional style, visible early in life.
- Twin studies compare identical twins (share nearly all genes) with fraternal twins (share about half). Adoption studies separate genes from environment.
- Developmental research designs: a longitudinal study follows the same people over years; a cross-sectional study compares different age groups at one time.
- Continuity vs stages: is development gradual or in distinct steps?
Practice
A study follows the same 100 children from age 5 to age 18. This is a:
Following the same people over time is longitudinal.
Researchers compare identical twins raised apart to see how much a trait depends on genes. Greater similarity than expected suggests:
Identical twins share nearly all genes, so similarity points toward heredity.
Which statement best reflects modern views of nature and nurture?
Both heredity and experience shape development.
Ready for more? Take the Unit 7 test.