Assignment: In considering how personality develops, the impact of the child’s environment, as well as the child’s innate characteristics, must be taken into consideration. Assess the nature versus nurture controversy. Assess your views on how each affects a child’s personality and moral development. Provide supporting evidence or reasoning. Which theoretical perspective on personality and moral development most closely represents your view? Did the response apply the following Socratic Approach, using Steps 1 through 4? Question 1 of 4 Step 1: Identify the elements of the problem, issue, or question. Did the response adequately include this step? Yes or No? If no, what was missing? Question 2 of 4 Step 2: Analyze/ define/ frame the problem, issue, or question. Did the response adequately include this step? Yes or No? If no, what was missing? Question 3 of 4 Step 3: Consider solutions, responses, or answers. Did the response adequately include this step? Yes or No? If no, what was missing? Question 4 of 4 Step 4: Choose a solution, response, or answer. Did the response adequately include this step? Yes or No? If no, what was missing? Sample Response: In the context of the nature versus nurture controversy, nature means one’s genetic inheritance of traits such as intelligence, physical characteristics, and personality tendencies (Vander Zanden, Crandell, & Crandell, 2009). Nurture means the influence of environment, including parenting, schooling, physical environment, culture, and other factors (Vander Zanden et al., 2009). In the past, social scientists and others argued which factor—nature or nurture —was responsible in a given situation, but it is more common today to ask either how much is due to nature versus nurture, or how they interact (Vander Zanden et al., 2009). Vander Zanden et al. (2009) therefore characterize the current nature versus nurture controversy as asking either how or how much, rather than which. While there are many theories that address the nature-nurture controversy, behaviorism most closely represents my view. Most of the behaviors needed to succeed in life are within the capabilities of most people, but some people’s environments make success unlikely for them. If a person is raised in an environment that does not support educational activities, that person is unlikely to become a physicist, even if he or she was born with the intelligence traits of an Einstein. Similarly, those raised in a violent environment are more likely to be violent, such as those who were abused as children may subsequently abuse their own children.

In discussing the nature versus nurture debate, it is essential to consider both the influence of a child’s environment and their innate characteristics in understanding how personality develops. The nature perspective refers to an individual’s genetic inheritance, including traits such as intelligence, physical characteristics, and personality tendencies. On the other hand, the nurture perspective emphasizes the impact of the environment, including parenting, schooling, physical surroundings, culture, and other factors.

Previously, researchers and social scientists often debated which factor, nature or nurture, was primarily responsible for a person’s development. However, it is more common today to examine how much of an individual’s development is influenced by nature versus nurture and how these factors interact with each other. This shift in perspective has led to a more nuanced understanding of the nature versus nurture controversy, focusing on the “how” or “how much” rather than a strict binary choice.

Considering my views, I align most closely with the behaviorist theoretical perspective on personality and moral development. Behaviorism suggests that most behaviors necessary for success in life are within the capabilities of most individuals. However, the environment plays a significant role in determining whether individuals can manifest those behaviors. For example, if a person is raised in an environment that does not support educational activities, they are unlikely to become a physicist, even if they possess the same level of intelligence as an Einstein.

Similarly, individuals who grow up in a violent environment are more likely to exhibit violent behaviors themselves. For instance, individuals who have experienced childhood abuse may be more prone to perpetuating abusive behavior towards their own children. This perspective emphasizes the power of environmental influences in shaping an individual’s behavior and personality. It suggests that even if individuals possess certain innate characteristics or traits, their environment can either support or hinder their ability to develop and express those traits.

There is substantial evidence to support the influence of both nature and nurture on personality and moral development. Studies examining twin and adoption research have provided insights into the extent of genetic versus environmental contributions. For example, twin studies show that identical twins raised in different environments still exhibit similarities in personality traits, suggesting a significant role for genetic factors. On the other hand, adoption studies have revealed that children raised in different environments show differences in their personality development, highlighting the impact of the environment.

Furthermore, research in the field of epigenetics has shed light on how environmental factors can influence gene expression. This research demonstrates that environmental factors, such as childhood trauma or socioeconomic status, can modify gene expression patterns, leading to long-term effects on behavior and personality.

Overall, my viewpoint aligns with the behaviorist perspective, which recognizes the importance of both nature and nurture in shaping personality and moral development. It emphasizes the role of the environment in determining whether individuals can manifest their innate traits and abilities. However, it acknowledges that environmental factors can either support or hinder the development of those traits. By understanding the interplay between nature and nurture, we can better comprehend the complexities of personality and moral development.