Download 04NatureNurture

Nature & Nurture
How much of what you are came from your parents,
and how much from growing up?
© Robert J. Atkins, Ph.D.
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© Robert J. Atkins, Ph.D.
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Genes & environment
interaction (Nature & Nurture)
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Size can be a result of biology
(genetics) and the environment.
Fish in a pond
Plants in soil
© Robert J. Atkins, Ph.D.
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Social environment
© Robert J. Atkins, Ph.D.
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Prenatal environment
E.g. Fetal alcohol syndrome
Children being mentally retarded because
their mothers drank heavily during
pregnancy
When genetically female child receives
excess testosterone during fetal
development, she is more likely to be
aggressive.
© Robert J. Atkins, Ph.D.
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Your Biological Blueprint
(Nature)
Cell - Chromosomes (DNA) - Genes
© Robert J. Atkins, Ph.D.
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Your Biological Blueprint
Genome = The genetic
material in your
chromosomes
Genetic mutations =
Random gene replication
errors
E.g. 100 copies
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Behavioral Genetics
Separating genetics from nurture
Identical twins, reared apart (as opposed to
those raised together) highlight the
importance (or lack of) of genetic
predispositions
© Robert J. Atkins, Ph.D.
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Do you remember?
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What are examples of how genes and
the environment interact?
What is your genome?
What are genetic mutations?
How could we do a study to separate
the effects of genetics from nurturing?
© Robert J. Atkins, Ph.D.
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How much of you is an interaction
of nature and Nurture?
E.g. Tall people are more common as
Presidents and CEO’s of corporations
E.g. Early sexual maturity in females
(Larger breasts) can result in being
teased and rejected by classmates =
Shyness
E.g. Rats in an enriched environment
grew more synapses
© Robert J. Atkins, Ph.D.
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Ask yourself…
Does evolution affect how I think?
(Evolutionary Psychology)
E.g. Men more likely than women to
initiate casual sex. Why?
Biologically, it is a more successful
reproductive strategy for men than
women.
© Robert J. Atkins, Ph.D.
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Culture and development
Parents can most effectively influence
their children by helping to select their
children’s friends (peers)
© Robert J. Atkins, Ph.D.
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Ask yourself…
How does my culture affect me?
Norms
*Covering your
mouth when you
cough
*Elevator behavior
*Clothing
“Don’t talk with food
in your mouth”
© Robert J. Atkins, Ph.D.
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Do you remember?
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How do nature and nature interact to
create a confident personality or grow
more synapses in the brain?
Can you give an example of the
evolutionary theory of sexual behavior?
How do social norms affect your
behavior?
© Robert J. Atkins, Ph.D.
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How does your personality
change as you age?
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As people progress through adulthood:
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© Robert J. Atkins, Ph.D.
Women = more assertive
Men = more empathetic
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Does culture make you
romantic?
Romance is
emphasized more in
countries that
emphasize
individualism.
India arranged marriage
example
© Robert J. Atkins, Ph.D.
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How does your gender affect
your behavior?
Sally takes responsibility for preparing
family meals because she has learned it
is expected of women.
 Daughter fights = Dad’s comfort
 Boys fight = “Big boys don’t cry”
Women = “Tend & befriend” more than
men.
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© Robert J. Atkins, Ph.D.
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Personal space
Cultural differences
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Do you remember?
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How do people’s personality change
throughout adulthood?
How are individualism and romance
related?
How do gender roles affect your behavior?
How do the sexes differ in “tend &
befriend” behavior?
What is the concept of personal space?
© Robert J. Atkins, Ph.D.
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© Robert J. Atkins, Ph.D.
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