GENETIC VS. ENVIRONMENT CHILD DEVELOPMENT

Genetic vs. Environment: Influence on Child Development

Genetic vs. Environment: Influence on Child Development

There is a long-standing debate about the relative influence of heredity (nature) or environment (nurture) on development. Early theorists (e.g., Arnold Gesell, 1880-1961) emphasized genetics as the determining factor. There has been little disagreement over the predominant role of genetics in the determination of individual differences in physiology. However, there has been less certainty regarding the influence of heredity on cognitive and social behavior (Salkind, 2008).

In general, theorists who believe developmental attributes are resistant to modification (plasticity or capacity to change) emphasize the importance ...