According to (Bukatko, 2008, p. 17),
“a number of theories influence our understanding of development today.” One of
five cognitive processes or “prime determinants” within several child
development theories is nature versus nurture. Therefore, the following literature offers
a brief review of this highly controversial debate, by
addressing these three questions:
1. How do you define the
influences from nature?
2. What are some
examples from our environment (nurture) that influence development?
3. How do you explain how both nature and nurture influence how
people develop?
How do you define the
influences from "nature"?
I would define this
influential process as “periods when natural factors and/or experiences can initiate
and/or determine an infant’s development. One example of this might be:
1. Maturation – Piaget’s Theory states that this is when
development of genetic programs occur.
What are some examples
from our environment (nurture) that influence development?
There are also several
environmental factors and/or experiences which can encourage and positively
develop normal infant growth. Two examples of these are:
1. The child’s tendency to act will be based on physical, mental
and environmental experiences.
2. Knowledge Construction is formed by revision and reorganization
of intellectual structures.
How do you explain how
both nature and nurture influence how people develop?
According to (Unit 3
Key Concepts 2, p. 1), “the development of the brain and nervous system
involves a pattern of synaptic growth followed by the pruning of redundant
neural pathways. Limited exposure to experience during certain sensitive
periods of time can delay or prevent the development of certain skills.” This
means that normal brain development can only occur if positive natural and
nurturing experiences occur during an infant’s sensitive growth periods.
If an infant lacks these natural and nurturing experiences then
his or her psychological and/or physical growth may not flourish and further
complications can occur. One specific complication can be a delay or absence of
cognition, language, physical and social developmental skills and/or growth.
When this occurs, the child may also struggle into adulthood trying to
combat these undeveloped normal psychological and/or physical needs.
References:
Bukatko, D.
(2008) Child and adolescent development,
a chronological approach. Ohio; Cengage
Learning.
Kaplan University. (2010).
Child and Adolescent Psychology: Unit 3/Theories
of Child Development: Key Concepts 2.
Retrieved on January 9, 2010 at http://kucourses.com
