A nuture theory of human behavior

A nuture theory of human behavior The nature versus nurture debate is one of the most convoluted in the field of psychology. In the 17th century, a French philosopher, Renà © Descartes posited that we all, as individual human beings, have certain innate ideas that enduringly underpin our approach to the world (Crawford, 1989 p 64). The use of the terms nature and nurture henceforth has referred to the roles of heredity and environment respectively in human development. Some scientists believe that human beings behave as they do in response to genetic predisposition. This is known as the nature theory of human behavior and is the view espoused by naturalists (Scott, 1995). Other scientists think otherwise; that people think and behave in certain ways because they are taught to do so. This is known as nurture theory of human behavior and is the view of empiricists. Presented in the paper are the theories of nature vs. nurture, elucidation of perception, intelligence and personality within the debate. In addition, the paper discusses eevidences in favor of nurture and the influence of environment on behavior and morality. In exploring the nature versus the nurture debate, the writer presumes that nature endows human beings with inborn abilities and traits while nurture takes these genetic tendencies and molds them as humans learn and mature. Theories of Nature vs. Nurture According to naturalists, personality is natural. This group believes that personality is a result of evolutionary process. Human beings, it believes, inherit behaviors due to a complex interaction of genes. As such, genes control their behaviors. They believe that form and characteristics measured with personality tests remain stable throughout human life. They further believe that human beings may sharpen their types or personality but can never change them altogether. Darwins Theory of Evolution led naturalists such as George Williams, William Hamilton, and many others to the idea of personality evolution. They proposed that physical organs and personality is a result of natural selection (Herschkowitz, 2002). Human beings do as their genes dictate. In support, Steven Pinker (2004) includes conservativeness, religiousness and liberalism as gene related traits. William Paley, in agreement, believes cognitive capabilities, temperaments, and cheating behaviors are inheritable. There are however various assumptions about nature. Evolutionary psychologists believe that behaviour is a result of natural selection in the environment of evolutionary adaptation (EEA). Interpersonal attraction therefore can be explained as a consequence of sexual selection men and women select partners who enhance their reproductive success (Crawford, 1989). Arguments for the supremacy of nurture posit that personality is nurtured. This group argues that one does not get personality from inheritance. They argue that the mind is a blank slate at birth. The definition of nurture has extended to influence of development that emanates from prenatal, parental, peer influence and extending to the role of media, marketing and socio-economic status (Scott, 1995). They dispute that types and characteristics measured with personality tests change incessantly throughout ones life. Harvard psychologist B. F. Skinners, experiments, produced birds that could dance and play tennis. Today, known as the father of behavioral science, Skinner ultimately went on to prove that human behavior could be conditioned in much the same way as animals. If environment did not play a part in determining an individuals traits and behaviors, then identical twins should be the same in all respects, even if reared apart. However, a number of studies show that they are nev er exactly alike, even though they are remarkably similar in most respects (Michaels, 2001). Assumptions about nurture are also present. Radical psychologists such as Skinner and Watson, for instance, claim that all behaviour can be described in terms of experience alone. Skinner (1957) suggested that acquisition of language by a child could be explained entirely in terms of rewards and shaping. The double bind theory of schizophrenia, for instance, suggests that schizophrenia developed in children who frequently received contradictory messages from their parents. Nature vs. Nurture Perception Two main theories of perception are advanced to explain the debate about nature versus nurture. Gibson (1979 as cited by Cardwell and Flanagan, 2004. P 262)  [1]  argued that perception is innate because the sensory array is sufficiently rich in information for perception to take place without any additional cognitive input. Gregory (1972) on the other hand pointed to the ambiguous and fragmentary nature of most sensory input, which must thus rely on expectations (derived from experience) to complete the perceptual process (Michael, 2001). Intelligence and Personality- Nature vs. Nurture Evidence in favor of nature has been reinforced by hypothesis on IQ that has been tested on twins and adoptees. Monozygotic twins raised apart are highly similar in IQ (0.74), more so than dizygotic twins raised together (0.6) and much more than adoptive siblings (~0.0) (Crawford, 1989). In other studies done in Harvard, identical twins reared separately exhibited likeness in the timing and pattern of development and maturation. Further was a likeness in some of the foundations of temperament and behavior, from sensitivity to activity to emotional response (Westen, 2002). This denoted that the personality of twins was influenced by their genetics than the environment they were raised. Environment on the other hand does play a role in the formation of who we are and does effect the development of our personality and intelligence. By altering the environment in which a person is raised, there can be some effect on the persons developing intelligence and personality. While this is true, the results of the twin studies cannot be ignored (Westen, 2002). These studies show that our genetics have a stronger influence than our environment. Across a variety of traits, including IQ, personality indicators such as political conservatism, conviviality, and even religiosity, homosexuality, and neuroticism, identical twins are more similar to one another than are fraternal pairs. This indicates that genes affect these aspects of personality. Gene mapping studies (Crawford salmon, 2004) have identified individual genes associated with high IQ. There is strong evidence for the effects of nurture, for example, the fact that IQs all over the world have increased as much as 20 poin ts over 30 years. No matter where human beings are raised, it cannot completely change the genes that they are born with. These studies have produced substantive evidence of heritability. What varies from study to study is the quantity that can be attributed to heritability. Indication suggests that family environmental factors may have an effect upon childhood IQ, accounting for up to a quarter of the variance. On the other hand, by late adolescence this relationship disappears, such that adoptive siblings are no more similar in IQ than strangers are (Westen, 2002). Evidence in Favor of Nurture John Watson in 1924 attempted to challenge nature beliefs by asserting that if given a dozen of healthy infants and his own world to nurture them, he would be able to take each infant and train them to be any type of specialist he might select-doctor, lawyer or even a thief. This became a famous quote in the heyday of behaviorism, when the child was considered a tabula rasa (blank slate) onto which anything could be sculpted through environmental experience. This would be a 100% environmental view, but virtually no psychologists would accept such an extreme position today (Crawford salmon, 2004). Influence of the Environment on Behavior and Morality A variety of explanations might account for this. From a biologic or developmental perspective, one might argue that pre-homosexual children are more likely to be targets for molestation. In a sociological perspective, children who have pre-homosexual experiences are most likely to experience confusion over their sexual identity and later define themselves as homosexuals. From the perspective of the moral environment, one may argue that a society with a progressively more neutral outlook of homosexual behavior will grant fewer and weaker checks on those who associate early homosexual experience with a homosexual identity (Scott 1995). Levy, a psychologist, examines the roles played by nature and nurture in the origin of moral dispositions. He asserts that evolution gives human beings a precondition of morality. However, he states that Evolution gives us the preconditions of morality, but it is only as a result of the cultural elaboration of this raw material that we come to be moral beings. He further states that human beings are animals and can never free themselves of their biological heritage. He states that human beings have no need since it enables flexibility, rational and caring behavior which they could want and allows them to seek to become more moral beings (Carlson, 2005). Conclusion Researchers on all sides of the nature vs. nurture debate concur that the link between a gene and a behavior is not the same as cause and effect. While a gene may increase the likelihood that you will behave in a particular way, it does not make people do things (Scott, 1995). This means that we still get to choose who we will be, when we grow up. Social scientists gradually understand the extent of the interactions that take place between nature and nurture. The presence of genes does not by solely ensure that a particular attribute will be evident. Genes require the suitable environments for natural tendencies to be fully articulated. These proper environments consist not only of natural environs but also of individuals social and symbolic setting (Westen 2002). But even for intermediary heritabilities, a trait is always shaped by both genetic dispositions and the environments in which people develop, merely with greater and lesser plasticities associated with these heritability me asures. All in all nature relies on nurture and vice versa and hence both coexist together.

Columbus?s Arrival :: Christopher Columbus Essays

Columbus’s Arrival A lot of people would agree that Christopher Columbus was the founder of and first to discover America. On the other hand, people have come to the conclusion that Christopher Columbus was the worst thing that could have ever happened to America. This is the question were trying to find, would it have been better if he never even discovered this unexplored continent? Through all of my research and interviews I’ve come to this conclusion. There are to many good and bad arguments dealing with Columbus, too many to even make my own decision but here are a few things that other people in my generation have to say. Before Christopher Columbus came, life in this unexplored territory was vast and extremely empty except for the native Americans that inhabited a few separated acres of this continent. They were here before anybody they had discovered Cuba, the west coast and even the Pacific Coast of California. Life was plain and simple for the Natives, they had adequate amounts of food and water they had treatments for almost all diseases they were just fine and dandy except for the occasional tribal war over land. Soon that life was about to change and all credit is given by most to Christopher Columbus.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã¢â‚¬Å"First of all he never even reached America, he landed in Cuba. Second he, not personally, was the reason for thousands of Native Americans deaths†. Indigo Rodriguez. â€Å"He brought over so many diseases that there really was no chance for the natives to survive.† Cort Zimmerman. His arrival brought so many horrific things but the one that really caught my attention from what people said was that of the forcing of the Christian religion on the natives. The Spanish (Columbus), came over with a mentality of, our religion is the only one that will lead you to heaven so either you convert or we’ll kill you.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã¢â‚¬Å"I’m sorry to say this but if things didn’t happen the way they did, society and religion wouldn’t be as prosperous as it is today. We could still be learning how electricity works if it weren’t for him†¦ This county might not even of turned out Democratic, the Russians could of got here first and actually of prospered with a communist society.† Dimitri Boyd. I asked people of what they thought of science and evolution and the response from a majority was that of â€Å"I’m all for it, I wouldn’t have such a cool car if it wasn’t for science. Columbus?s Arrival :: Christopher Columbus Essays Columbus’s Arrival A lot of people would agree that Christopher Columbus was the founder of and first to discover America. On the other hand, people have come to the conclusion that Christopher Columbus was the worst thing that could have ever happened to America. This is the question were trying to find, would it have been better if he never even discovered this unexplored continent? Through all of my research and interviews I’ve come to this conclusion. There are to many good and bad arguments dealing with Columbus, too many to even make my own decision but here are a few things that other people in my generation have to say. Before Christopher Columbus came, life in this unexplored territory was vast and extremely empty except for the native Americans that inhabited a few separated acres of this continent. They were here before anybody they had discovered Cuba, the west coast and even the Pacific Coast of California. Life was plain and simple for the Natives, they had adequate amounts of food and water they had treatments for almost all diseases they were just fine and dandy except for the occasional tribal war over land. Soon that life was about to change and all credit is given by most to Christopher Columbus.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã¢â‚¬Å"First of all he never even reached America, he landed in Cuba. Second he, not personally, was the reason for thousands of Native Americans deaths†. Indigo Rodriguez. â€Å"He brought over so many diseases that there really was no chance for the natives to survive.† Cort Zimmerman. His arrival brought so many horrific things but the one that really caught my attention from what people said was that of the forcing of the Christian religion on the natives. The Spanish (Columbus), came over with a mentality of, our religion is the only one that will lead you to heaven so either you convert or we’ll kill you.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã¢â‚¬Å"I’m sorry to say this but if things didn’t happen the way they did, society and religion wouldn’t be as prosperous as it is today. We could still be learning how electricity works if it weren’t for him†¦ This county might not even of turned out Democratic, the Russians could of got here first and actually of prospered with a communist society.† Dimitri Boyd. I asked people of what they thought of science and evolution and the response from a majority was that of â€Å"I’m all for it, I wouldn’t have such a cool car if it wasn’t for science.

Integrity Issues in the Criminal Justice for Probation Officers Essay

When becoming a Probation Officer there are requirements of guide lines that must be followed in order to remain with great integrity and honesty. These requirements are as followed; 1)Purpose (conducting professional and ethical standards and perform their duties with diligence and honesty. 2)Policy ( partnership developed with the community, respect and confidence in our ability to protect the public, and supervise offenders at a level of security commensurate with the danger they represent. 3)Scope (conducting one self on or off duty) which this policy is organized into eight principles. The three issues that I feel could compromise one’s credibility are; 1) not following the law of conduct on or off duty, 2) over achieving their power that they are authorized to use and 3) not being courteous and respecting the offenders. In order to keep these issues from becoming a pitfall into a probation officers profession is when he or she is off duty they need to keep their personal life personal because they are entitled to a personal life. It is how they conduct themselves when in the public. Example: Sally June is invited to a house party at Cheryl’s house once Sally arrive there she know what her profession is and the people that are going to be there is the public. She must conduct herself in a professional manner and be able to make professional decisions knowing that there will be alcohol beverages at this party. Therefore she should not be refrained from having a drive but should know how much to drink and how to carry herself after the drink in order to keep her integrity with the public. People know that you have a professional job and see you in the public drunk or intoxicated they loose all respect for you. Another issue that could be changed is the attitude that some probation officers show toward the offenders that they are responsible for. They should give them the same respect that they are seeking from that offender because no one like to be talked to any kind of way that creates the offender to acquire an attitude issue with the probation officer. Some probation officers take advantage of their power that they loose all respect from the offender, their co-workers, and the offender’s families. There should be continuous education or training on how to conduct yourself when working with any other people. REFERENCES http://www.fdle.state.fl.us/Content/CJST/Menu/Officer-requirements-Main-Page/CPO-Et†¦

Dieppe Raid essays

Dieppe Raid essays Many people believe that the Dieppe Raid was a success. This was in fact true. There were many things learned that tragic day, that will be with us for a long time to come. The Dieppe Raid gave allies the experience and knowledge to be successful in other raids, and confrontations. After the raid, allies became aware that there were elements ever so crucial to their further success. Learning the physical properties of the battleground soon became a must, along with learning to better arm and defend, and that the element of communication must be exercised to a high degree. The Dieppe raid carried with it a high cost, but the lessons learned were invaluable and led directly to the success of the Normandy landings. The Dieppe Raid was to be considered a learning experience for the Canadians. It was to be a test for future invasions. 4936 Canadians ¹, who were restlessly awaiting an opportunity such as this, were sent to a beach on the French coast. Accompanying them, were 1000 Canadians, and 50 Americans. On August 19, 1942, these brave men fought, many knowing that they would never return. Tragedy struck that day, roughly 907 men died, 1154 were wounded, and 1894 became prisoners of war ². This horrible loss may never have occurred, had the allies demonstrated better organization. At Dieppe, men walked onto that beach having no idea what to expect. The commanding officers in charge of setting up the attack had neglected to consult a topographical viewpoint of the beach ³. This would have clearly shown that landing on beaches surrounded by 100-200 foot cliffs would leave troops vulnerable, and unable to escape the awaiting Germans. This showed the allies that it was crucial to be fully knowledgeable on all physical terrain that was to be travelled in the future. Many men were gunned down before they were even given a chance to retaliate. Before they could even make it to shore, they were being slaughtered. Allies had ...

North By Northwest essays

North By Northwest essays Lines appear, forming slanted boxes on which the credits appear The lines become the windows of a large building Main character talks to his secretary about his plans They go over his schedule for the next day while driving to his appointment He asks her to call his mother and remind her of their evening engagement As she drives away, he remembers that his mother cant be reached at the usual number, but doesnt have time to tell his secretary before the cab drives away Function/Theme: Shows busy office life Explanation: Roger Thornhills life is full of activity Roger Thornhill attracts the porters attention to ask him about sending his mother a telegram The villains see him and assume that hes George Kaplan As he follows the porter, hes stopped by two men, one of whom has a gun, and is led away, insisting that theyve made a mistake Function/Theme: The wrong place at the wrong time/Mistakes happen Explanation: Thornhill is seen talking to the porter whod been looking for George Kaplan, and its assumed that he is therefore Kaplan Thornhill tried to engage the man on his left in conversation to find out whats happening and is frustrated when his attempts fail Thornhill leans over the man on his left to try to escape, but finds the door is locked and is disappointed Function/Theme: Shows Thornhills persistence/Making the best out of a bad situation Explanation: Thornhill had been kidnapped and is on his way to an unknown location Lester Townsend enters and engages George Kaplan in conversation about who he is Townsend refers to Thornhill as Kaplan, and Thornhill tries to explain his identity Townsend hints that Kaplan might not survive the evening if he doesnt cooperate Thornhill insists that he has to be on his way to the theater in New York to see a play he&...

The UK Banking System Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1750 words

The UK Banking System - Essay Example Many of these do not have a physical presence in the UK but can accept deposits on a cross-border basis. Assets and liabilities of the UK banking sector reached 4,165bn at the end of 2003, nearly three times the 1993 total. Although their share decreased somewhat during the past decade, foreign banks still held over half of UK banking sector assets in 2003. European banks accounted for nearly a half of this, followed by US and Japanese banks (Delta Quest Network, 2005). Bank of England is responsible for maintaining overall stability of the financial system as a whole. Since its responsibilities for supervising individual banks were transferred to the FSA, the financial stability role of the Bank has been to focus on identifying and limiting systemic financial risk. This involves close monitoring of the financial system infrastructure, particularly payments systems. The Bank also monitors economic and financial market developments, as part of an overview of the system as a whole. Now-a-days, the main focus of most of the banks is on risk management primarily on reputational, regulatory, operational and strategic risk, as well as the more traditional credit and market dimensions of risk. There are a number of factors responsible for this increased focus. The major of them are globalization, the relatively favourable economic environment - such that the UK banking sector has made record profits again this year, it remains highly capitalised and asset quality remains strong; the reputational impact that high profile regulatory issues are seen to have had - on both the retail and wholesale side - and the shift in the regulator's focus towards governance and control issues; and the unprecedented volume of regulatory change (Hale, 2004). Both the UK and world economy are continuously gaining advantage from a sustained period of consistent growth. The banks have benefited from the economic health, producing a strong financial performance over the last few years and in the first half of 2004. They remain well -capitalized and there are no signs of any serious deterioration in asset quality. Yet, the risk of macroeconomic outlook continues to exist. The move to slightly higher interest rates is the first aspect to be considered. To state the obvious, higher interest rates will increase the cost and reduce the affordability of both the stock of consumer lending and new loans. Although the monetary authorities both in the UK and abroad are managing the turn in the interest rate cycle with great care, regulators are required to acknowledge the risk that the shift to a more moderate rate of growth in consumer borrowing may not be universally smooth (Hale, 2004). Secondly, the decline in lending margins. A long period of strong personal sector credit quality, coupled with strong competition for lending business, has helped squeeze margins to historically low levels. The effects of this on the bottom line have been disguised by strong volume growth. There are two downside risks for the banking sector in the UK as felt by the FSA. The first is that, the period of strong volume growth may be coming to an end. The second is that a downturn could expose banks as having under- priced risk through the cycle. The Northern Rock Crisis Northern Rock is

Nanotechnology Annotated Bibliography Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words

Nanotechnology - Annotated Bibliography Example The purpose of the site is to explain the basic concepts related to nanotechnology and refer to the latest news, events and articles. The author Earl Boysen was a co-author of the book Nanotechnology for Dummies (Richard Booker & Earl Boysen, Wiley Publishing). He started the website with view to explaining the concepts in book in simpler understandable format. I am recommending this site because the website contains excerpts from the book Nanotechnology for Dummies further explaining the concepts in detail. It is a good resource for gaining a basic understanding of the field and to remain in touch with the latest research activities. It provides links to resources and articles for further reading, lists the descriptions of jobs available in the field. It even provides a simple lesson plan for the students of middle and high schools. The purpose of the site is to host a complete book related to the basics of nanotechnology online. The author Drexler, K. Eric, Ph.D., is an active researcher and author of a number of conference and journal articles besides this book. His work mainly focuses on the advanced nanotechnologies and the directions of the current research. He also served as Chief Technical Consultant to the Technology Roadmap for Productive Nanosystems and is currently working with World Wildlife Fund exploring nanotechnology-based solutions to global problems such as energy and climate change. I am recommending this site because the entire book is available online in html format. The book covers the basic context, concept and possible applications of nanotechnology and therefore can be used as a good creative study reference guide. The purpose of the site is providing latest research and development news, articles, resources and a blog on nanotechnology and its applications as well as any raised issues. The publisher, Foresight Institute is a