Modern Psychology: Nature Vs. Nurture

The human experience starts at birth and ends with death. One of the greatest debates throughout the era of modern psychology is nature vs. nurture. Understanding what makes a person the way they are can be controversial. Some argue that a person’s genetic makeup strictly dictates who that person will become, while others believe the way they are raised, no matter their genetics, makes them who they are. Both the environment a child is raised in and their genetic makeup will dictate the individual’s intelligence. The idea of the great effect of environment upon intelligence is as popular as the genetic determination stance. While the fact that genes do directly correspond with intelligence, through hard work and dedication, increasing brainpower is possible. A common human endeavor is the pursuit of intelligence. Believing that intelligence is strictly due to genetic makeup would mean no amount of studying could increase someone’s intelligence. Even though our physical brain structure is based upon genetic make up, intelligence is also significantly influenced by environment and work ethic. Learning abilities and disabilities are factors that cannot be changed. The learning …show more content…
A very important influence upon someone’s intelligence is their environment in terms of their own dedication to hard work and perseverance. This can be achieved through the presence of a clean, organized and structured atmosphere of learning. Furthermore advanced technology and the availability of it provide students the opportunity to excel. In this environment students can influence their own future and raise their level of intelligence. (Kovas, Yulia and Plomin.) If you can change the environment by reform of parenting skills, the school system, media outlets and social interaction, the individual can be changed as well. The learning environment could be improved so that everyone could benefit and advance. (Pinker