Who We are is Determined by the Intertwined Forces of Nature or Nurture?

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Nature or Nurture Every human being is unique. Were we destined to be the way we are, or have we been made this way through our environment and experiences? Psychology has long been debating the issue of Nature versus Nurture. Characteristics such as hair and eye color are generally recognized to be controlled by genetics. Those on the Nature side (Nativists) claim that genetics control much more, including personality and character. Nurture backers (empiricists) will argue that a person’s environment and experiences determine those traits. So is it possible to prove which side is right? The latest findings suggest that the debate may not be that simple. In light of the new information, it is no longer an either one or the other debate. Psychology lecturer Saul Mecleod (2007) states, “In practice hardly anyone today accepts either of the extreme positions. There are simply too many ‘facts’ on both sides of the argument which are inconsistent with an “all or nothing” view. So instead of asking whether child development is down to nature or nurture the question has been re...

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