Similarities and Differences in Parent and Child Characteristics

Many psychologists agree that nurture play a greater part in the development of a human being. Studies such as those performed on monozygotic twins (identical), who share the same genetics and those performed

Most scientists agree that genes have some influence over general intelligence and special aptitudes in such activities as athletics, mathematics, music, and science. But genes are not the only factor involved in producing these characteristics.

Both normative and nonnormative influences and nature and nurture influences both shed light on human development over childhood and adolescence. The nature and nurture debate refers to whether particular aspects of development are a result of inherited characteristics (nature) or obtained characteristics (nurture). The answer to what characteristics were obtained by which source is a difficult task as there is still much to learn about the way genetic markers work and how their patterning influence organisms. Instead nature and nurture should be looked at as a intricate ecology (Claiborne, Drewery, Paki, & Peters, 2014). This is where characteristics are not considered to have only a single source but can linked to a contribution of our genetic

We learned that the child temperament is not only a result from environment (nurture), but also heredity (nature). The parenting style of Suzy’s parents would be an example of

The brain is one of the most complex, unknown organs of the human body. Researchers often break down the characteristics of the brain to whether tendencies are achieved through nurtured environments or the inheritability of genetics. Intelligence is one of the most controversial topics when it comes to deciding whether environment or genetics are most influential. Many argue that intelligence is based on environmental factors and the unique ability to work hard, but fail to realize the essential cognitive qualities concerning what truly defines intelligence. Although some may consider this trait as based on environment, intelligence is a cognitive attribute established by the nature of genetics.

There is a perplexing gap between the understanding that babies are born with innate characteristics and the understanding that they inherit these characteristics from their parents. Besides, the puzzling gap between the understandings that a baby is born with inborn characteristics that they inherit from their parents (Harris, 2000).

Almost all individuals have a unique genotype. This affects their aptitudes and intelligence. Certain children have noticeable cognition deflects that limit their ability to learn. Some of the conditions that lead to such deficits are strongly influences by genetics.

Dr. Robert Best’s lecture here at Winthrop was on the topic of genetics. The question at hand was, “Can your parent’s behavioral characteristics be passed down through genetics?” Genetics are essentially the blueprints to each and every one of us. Our characteristics are coded by our genes, however, do genes affect every aspect of us? When looking at the common book, The Glass Castle, it seems apparent that certain traits like intelligence and creativity can be passed through genes, but not necessarily affect behavior and personality.

I guess my genetic temperament was passed on to my oldest and my youngest son got his father’s genetic temperament that added to the social environment they were raised in, it was very diverse. I believe that temperament has a strong role in how we are as adults. Another example is, me and my siblings grew up in the same house, same values, rules etc… yet we are like night and day.

There is also scientific opinion that intelligence is attributed to DNA passed on from your parents. ( Plomin , Spinath 2004)

Who a person’s parents or relatives are is already predetermined at conception. The traits that a child’s family have are going to be his/her traits simply because of genetics. According to the above study done on Croatian twins, genetic factors account for “stability in personality” from seventy-five to one hundred percent (Bratko and Butkovic 155). The researchers used genetic models to look into the differences between twins. They broke genetics into two sources in this study: additive genetic influences and nonadditive genetic influences. Bratko and Butkovic insinuated that, based on the findings of this project, heredity was mostly attributed to the steadiness of personality in the pairs of twins. In the novel Nature Via Nurture: Genes, Experience, & What Makes Us Human by Matt Ridley, a quote was attributed to Ralph Greenspan from his research on romance between fruit flies. He likened personality to this

57). Multivariate genetic analysis has shown us that genes are capable of affecting multiple cognitive abilities such as the verbal and spatial abilities present in humans; furthermore, it has been observed that some cognitive abilities are more likely to be inherited. Our understanding of the genetic influence on intelligence has broadened in recent history however there are still many areas which require additional research; in particular our knowledge of specific cognitive abilities is limited due to their lack of inclusion in mental tests (Meisenberg,2005, p.140)

One of the most interesting and controversial areas in behavioral genetics, human intelligence is currently assumed to be subject to both genetic and environmental influences.

This paper will discuss how a child’s development is influenced by environmental and cultural influences as well as parenting styles and education. This will be argued through four topics including

Intelligence is used by everyone to help them in everyday life. Where people get their intelligence, however, is debatable. A person is born with an amount of inherited intelligence; this intelligence is considered nature, genetic, or heredity. Then there is intelligence that comes from the ability to learn from experience; this intelligence is impacted by nurture or the environment. It is known that both genetic and environmental factors determine intelligence, but the subject is controversial among professionals. Does nature or nurture have a bigger impact on intelligence? Is it true that some people are born with high intelligence, but are limited by their environment? Given the proper tools, can a person increase their intelligence? How accurate are IQ tests?