For centuries psychologists have argued over which plays the larger role in child development, Heredity or the Environment. Which do you believe plays the most important role in the overall development of a child?
2007-02-17 02:54:37 · 7 answers · asked by ☆Ele☆ 3 in Social Science ➔ Psychology
Wow, neat question. In the past, most psychologists attributed environment as the major factor in child development. Currently and logically, I believe that heredity plays a bigger role than previously believed. You can clearly see this in the temperament of an infant (docile or "loud"), along with recent studies suggesting that certain conditions, previously believed to be attributed to environment, are being linked to genetics. (i.e. being gay)
2007-02-17 03:10:56 · answer #1 · answered by Made in America 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Well I believe it is both. In the end it comes down to what the person wants to do with what is presented before him. They either become a product of their environment or they don't.
2007-02-17 03:12:04 · answer #2 · answered by kc 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Well elyana, it seems to me that you've hit the million dollar question... again. Well, anyways, I think that both environment and heredity interact throughout the children's development. It's hard to separate one from the other.
2007-02-17 03:02:39 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
I think the debate will go on forever. I can say through personal experience that I am a polar opposite of my sister who is only a couple of years older than me. We had the same environmental influences but grew up with decidedly different behaviors. She resembles our birth father (who wasn't that involved in our life - divorce) and I my mother in mannerisms and other traits and even how we go through our day to day lives.
2007-02-17 03:08:24 · answer #4 · answered by Peacefrogii 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
They are about 50/50. You can have all the talent/intelligence in the world but if you have negative influencing factors surrounding you and can't overcome them that talent may never be recognized or embraced.
2007-02-17 03:08:40 · answer #5 · answered by over the moon 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
50% + 50% normally
But if the child has a strong personality could be that the enviroment influence until 100% is development.
We are clever entities and we choose what we want to be ;-)
2007-02-17 03:05:34 · answer #6 · answered by Marco 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
environment, it is most influental.
2007-02-17 03:00:10 · answer #7 · answered by loveboatcaptain 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋