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09: The Nature/Nurture Debate: Student Objectives
09: The Nature/Nurture Debate: Student Objectives
Nature/Nurture Debate
Student Objectives:
To learn about the history of the debate between nature
and nurture
To learn about some of the science supporting the nature
side
To learn about some of the science supporting the
nurture side
To understand that there are discrepancies in both
arguments
To learn about the possibility of nature and nurture
interacting with each other
9.1 Introduction
How do people become who they are?
One of the most recent and compelling case studies on the side
of nurture and environment is the case of Dr. James Fallon, a
neuroscientist from Southern California.
Fallon, who teaches at the University of California at Irvine,
was performing a clinical study on schizophrenia and
psychopathy in 2006 when he inadvertently discovered that he
had the brain of a psychopath.
FACT
Source: CPD
9.5 Finding a Balance
Reading the arguments for nature and
nurture, it is clear to see where the holes
in each argument lie, and why it is such a
long-standing debate.
Assignment
The Nature/Nurture Debate
Conclusion
The debate regarding nature and nurture is a long-standing
one, and it is not likely to be solved anytime soon. What the
debate can teach you, though, is that child development is a
complex thing, and it is important to consider all of the
available evidence before moving forward.