Nature Vs Nurture

Nature vs. Nurture: The Great Debate

Psychologists have often questioned whether personality traits are inherited,

a result of genetics, or if they are caused by the environment and are therefore made. This has come to be known as the nature versus nurture controversy. Many psychologists throughout history have asked this question, and most agree the answer is both.

Nature versus nurture has been an ongoing argument for over a century and

will, no doubt, continue for centuries to come. Scientists have been unable to conclude this question of which carries most responsibility for behavior. The argument of nature versus

nurture is examined through the role of genetics in one's personality, and the role of environment as a key factor. Explanations showing how both nature and nurture coincide to influence behavior in children, that the genetic makeup shapes one's personality, thus determining how their environment is perceived.

Though one's personality is not determined strictly by genetics; there is evidence significantly more evidence supporting the idea that personality is inherited rather than based on the environment and based on a person's experiences. Many experiments and studies have been done to determine where one's personality stems from, yet, few studies have been as effective as those studies based on twins, and adopted children.

Both of the studies were extremely successful in determining where one's personality comes from. In a study based on twins, the genes are regulated. Whereas, in the study of the adopted children, the environment is being regulated; thus, the question of introverted and extroverted personalities arises. (Plomin, 1993)

One who is introverted is often thought to be someone that keeps to himself

and rarely chooses to socialize in large groups. He is thought to be a longer

and in many cases to lack the social skills necessary to enjoy himself in

situations that are new to him. In reality, someone