nature-nurture debate

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nature-nurture debate

the debate surrounding the question of to what extent behaviour is the result of hereditary or innate influences (nature), or is determined by environment and learning (nurture). Assessing the relative contributions of each is extremely difficult, since both interact continually throughout development. Historically each side of the debate has had its support, nativists believing in hereditary determination and empiricists in the dominance of the environment. See also CHILD DEVELOPMENT, INTELLIGENCE.

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The type of research investigation that perhaps was most directly relevant to the nature-nurture debate and that became quite popular during this time was the twin study.

Nature vs. nurture: 50 years of a popular debate

We await the next round most eagerly, even if the fight (like the nature-nurture debate itself) is destined to end in a draw.

Alfano, Mark. Character as Moral Fiction

provides a compelling overview of her experience with the MISTRA and its scientific contributions to twin research and the nature-nurture debate.

Born together--reared apart; the landmark Minnesota twin study

In this short study of the nature-nurture debate, Evelyn Fox Keller explores the persistent argument about the degree to which phenotypic characteristics of organisms are due to genetic causes and to environmental causes.

Evelyn Fox Keller: The Mirage of a Space Between Nature and Nurture

Following the review of his book in the New York Times, Freeman appeared on an episode of the Donahue show on March 18, 1983, during which Freeman discussed his views on the nature-nurture debate and during which fellow anthropologist of Western Samoan culture, Bradd Shore, critiqued Freeman's book, criticizing it for relying on personal attacks of Mead and for its failure to provide practical feedback regarding how to build, improve, or make a stronger the type of anthropological work (35).

Paul Shankman. The Trashing of Margaret Mead: Anatomy of an Anthropological Controversy

This model helps to resolve the nature-nurture debate.

Parental guidance key to boost child's strengths

Heckman delves into behavioral genetic studies, which have indicated that the nature-nurture debate is over.

An ounce of prevention

Harris, a journalist, seeks answers beyond the nature-nurture debate, which she views as insufficient for explaining the development of personality.

No Two Alike: Human Nature and Human Individuality

Gustav Holst is a fascinating example of the much wider nature-nurture debate.

Peter Elson: Appeal of melodies is dependent on the listener's nationality

It is argued that the progression from the nature-nurture debate to interactionist perspectives, to a further consideration of nature and nurture as working as 1 system, represents a more refined and deeper understanding of the role of nature and nurture in the development of exceptional competence.

Introduction to the special issue on nature, nurture, and the development of exceptional competence

In the interwar period, the nature-nurture debate had taken a decisive turn toward nurture.

The paradoxical rationalization of modern adoption

Griese meanwhile follows the fate of a version of the nature-nurture debate, Morolf's demonstration in the Solomon and Morolf story that nature is stronger than nurture: the cat trained to hold a candle at dinner cannot resist dropping it to chase mice.

Natur und Kiltur in der deutschen Literatur des Mittelalters: Colloquium Exeter 1997