What is a critical period of development?
when certain things must occur for normal development
when a person is in critical condition
the point after conception and before implantation of a fetus
any time period after birth when the child is learning
Question 2Which of the following best summarizes the relative importance of nature and nurture in our development?
The relationship between the two moves only in one direction. In other words,
our genes set the stage for our development; nurture affects the manifestation
of those genetic influences. Nurture has no effect on our genes.
The relationship between the two is clear. Genes (nature) determine our
physical traits, while nurture affects the development of our psychological and
behavioral traits.
Nurture is the primary influence on our overall development. Genes only set
the stage, and from the moment of birth nurture takes over.
The relationship between the two is reciprocal. In other words, our genes set
the stage for our development; nurture affects the manifestation of those
genetic influences. Nurture, in turn, affects genes.
Question 3What does current research tell us about the resolution of the nature-nurture controversy?
Nature is proving to be dominant over nurture in the understanding of human
behavior.
We can no longer attribute behavior to one or the other since virtually all
human behaviors result from a complex interaction between nature and
nurture.
Nurture is far more important in understanding behavior than is nature.
It is clear that some behaviors are driven solely by nature and some are driven
solely by nurture.
Question 4When psychologists say that a given trait is due more to nature than nurture, they mean that the trait:
is universal; that is, it is found in everyone.
is a result of experiences.
is mostly influenced by the genes inherited at the moment of conception.
cannot be influenced by the environment.
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