Nature vs Nurture: Genes vs Environment Essay -- child development, ps

IntroductionA debate between psychologist, scientists and philosopher thinkers on the spectrum of nature vs. nurture arose concerning human development. In the nature versus nurture debate, the term nature refers to the genes we get while the term nurture refers to our outside environment (Nature vs. rise Twin and Adoption Studies). This debate of nature vs. nurture has existed for centuries and up to now it is still a topic of major discussion although at present time. Human development is the scientific study of age-related changes in behavior, thinking, emotions and personality (Boyd & Bee, 2005). In order to understand cognitive, emotional, physical, affectionate and educational growth that everyone experiences from childhood until adulthood, we must first understand the influence and importance of child development. Different psychologists have different theories and concepts of child development. Grand theories much use a stage-by-stage approach while attempting to describe the areas of development. Mini-theories focus only on a fairly limited aspect of development, such as cognitive or social growth. (Cherry, Child maturation Theories, 2011)DiscussionJohn Locke, a famous philosopher once introduced the concept of tabula rasa that defines a childs mind as a blank slate which can be written on and moulded by the society and environment. He believes that what we are is determined by the experiences we face. Plato, the Greek philosopher suggests that certain(p) things simply occur naturally regardless of any environmental influence. However, Jean Jacques Rousseau describes humans in their state of nature as noble savages living in peace and harmony but due to civilization and advancement in society, humans ... ...0 1963). Childhood and Society. W.W Norton & Company, Inc.5.King, A. L. (2008). The Science of Psychology An Appreciative View. New York McGraw-Hill .6.Nature vs. Nurture Twin and Adoption Studies. (n.d.). Retrieved December 5, 2011, from Nur ture or Nature.com http//www.nurture-or-nature.com/articles/twin-and-adoption-studies/index.php7.Preaaley, M., & McCormick, C. (2007). Child and Adolescent Development for Educators. New York The Guilford Publications.8.Robert S. Feldman, P. (2006). Child Development, . University of Massachusetts,Amherst.9.Smolako, l. (1993). Adult development. Adult Development .10.Spaulding, K. (2009). Human Development Theory - Psychological Growth Over Time. Retrieved December 4, 2011, from Knol - a unit of knowledge share what you know, publish your expertise. http//knol.google.com/k/human-development-theory