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John 1 Smith John Professor Waktola Geography 1 (Section January 2017 The Causes of Human Behaviors: Nature vs Nature I. Introduction Human behavior refers to the array of every physical action and observable emotion associated with individuals, as well as the human race as a whole. With respect to the causes of human behavior, there is huge disagreement. Once side argues that the human behavior of an individual are inherited (i.e. genetic). The other side argues that the human behavior is acquired (i.e. learned).
These two conflicting approaches to human development were at the core of an ideological dispute over research agendas throughout the second half of the 20th century. This paper investigates both sides of the arguments and attempts to come up with a conclusion. The first part of the paper focus on the argument that discusses the genetic causes of human behavior. The second part focuses on the learned aspects of human behavior. The last part will summarize the key points of the two sides and conclude the paper.
In this paper, empirical evidence from academic journals and books are used. II. The Genetic Argument Darwin (1871) states that man is the modified descendent of some preexisting form. This implies that the individual differences results from genetic differences. In this category, several researchers have attempted to catalogue human genetic variation and correlate it with various attributes of human behavior.
The first group of studies relates genetic factors to various forms of mental disorders. For instance, Bailey, Phillips, & Rutter (1996) reported that hereditary is related to brain abnormalities. The study conducted by Keshavan & Murray (1997) underscored that genetic factor is strongly related to autism and schizophrenia John 2 The second group of studies relates genetic factors to the overall human behavior. The study conducted by Vannicelli (2001) stated that dysfunctional parents are found to have dysfunctional kids. In this study, agreeable parents tend to have agreeable kids, aggressive parents tend to have aggressive kids.
The third group of studies relates genetics to the psychiatric problems. For instance, Krueger, McGue, and Iacono (2001) argues how genetic risk factors have been found for every psychiatric condition. The fourth group of studies attributes genetic factors to obesity, which predisposes to many diseases. To understand the genetic basis of obesity better, Locke, et al. (2015) conducted a genome-wide association study and Metabochip meta-analysis of body mass index (BMI), a measure commonly used to define obesity and assess adiposity, based on 339,224 individuals. Their result supports the role of the central nervous system in obesity susceptibility and implicate new genes and pathways, including those related to synaptic function, glutamate signaling, insulin secretion/action, energy metabolism, lipid biology and adipogenesis.
III. The Environmental Argument Supporters of the nurture theory believe that nature (genetic tendencies) don't matter - that our behavioral aspects originate only from the environmental factors of our upbringing. In this category environment is believed to affect several aspects of human behavior The first group of studies that amplified the environmental factor is Hill & Barton (2005). According to this study, an environmental factor, red color, could determine the males’ performance in combat sports. In here, the red color is purely of an environmental factor and greatly influenced the human performance.
The second group of study that linked environment to divorce and crime is Rose (1995). This author ridiculous to suppose that there could be a gene for divorce or crime. Instead, the environment plays a huge role in the shaping of divorce and crime. In this study, adolescent delinquency is generally assumed to be environmental (i.e., causal) in origin. Similarly, a study John 3 conducted by Burt et al., (2008), incorporated the timing of divorce in a sample of 610 adoptive and biological families.
The result shows that delinquency increased only in response to the divorce exposure. The third group of study associated human behavioral variations to more of environmental than a genetic factor. For instance, Moore (2015) studied how experiences influence genetic activity. He further points out that it is not because of the genes we have; but also due to how our genes are used.in line with this finding, Powledge (2011) think nurture (environment) has an essential influence on nature. Finally, in a study conducted by McGue and Bouchard (1998), twin and adopting siblings are strongly affected by environmental factors.
IV. Summary and Conclusion This study was conducted to review the causes of the human environment: genetic vs. environment. Both journal articles and books were used as a source of information to address sides. To summarize, studies siding with the influence of genetic factor on some aspects of human behavior includes: mental disorders, the overall human behavior, psychiatric problems, obesity, etc. On the other hand, the influence of environmental factor on some aspects of human behavior includes: the performance of male athletes, divorce and crime/ delinquency, influence on genetic activity, the impact on twin and adopting sibling, etc.
After critically analyzing the two sides, I come to the conclusion that while both sides have a valid scientific explanation, I personally believe that the genetic factor plays a huge role than the environmental factor. John 4 References Darwin, C. (1871). The Descent of Man, and Selection in Relation to Sex. London, J Murray, 1871 Hettema, J.M, Neale, M.C., Kendler, K.S. (2001). A review and meta-analysis of the genetic epidemiology of anxiety disorders.
Am J Psychiatry, 158: 1568–1578 Hill, R. & Barton, R. (2005). Psychology: Red enhances human performance in contests. Nature, 435, 293. Krueger, R,F,, McGue, M., Iacono, W.G. (2001). The higher-order structure of common DSM mental disorders: internalization, externalization, and their connections to personality.
Pers Individ Dif; 30:1245–1259 McGue, M. and Bouchard, T. (1998). Genetic and environmental influences on human behavioral differences. Annual Review of Neuroscience, 21:1-24 Locke, A.E, Kahali, B, Berndt, S.I, Justice, A.E, Pers, T, Day FR (2015). Genetic studies of body mass index yield new insights for obesity biology, Nature, 518: 197–206. Moore, D (2015).
The Developing Genome: An Introduction to Behavioral Epigenetics (1st ed.). Oxford University Press. Plomin, R., DeFries, J.C., Craig, I.W., McGuffin, P. (Eds.) (2010). Behavioral Genetics. Washington, DC, American Psychological Association.
Powledge, T. (2011). Behavioral Epigenetics: How Nurture Shapes Nature. BioScience, 61 (8): 588–592. Rose, R.J. (1995). Genes and human behavior.
Annual Review of Psychology, 46: 625–54 Vannicelli, M. (1989). Group psychotherapy with adult children of alcoholics: treatment techniques and countertransference. New York: Guilford Press. John 5 How to Access the Library Resources 1. The instruction states that least 2 books and 2 peer reviewed journals are required.
2. Those references should be published in the last 8 years (i.e., since 2008). 3. There is a web page developed by our library – to help you access global warming related books in the library. You can’t borrow them, but you can use them in the library 4.
The address of global warming books in the library webpage is: “ 5. To search for peer-reviewed journal articles, follow the following steps: a. Go to: †“, and log-in when required. b. Check on the “Scholarly (peer reviewed) journals†c. Check on “Full Text†d.
Enter the published Date (Starting January 2010) e. Check on “Pdf Full Text†b c d e John . Let’s say, you found the following peer reviewed journal. How do you cite it? First you will click on the journal 7.
When you get the following page, you can print (a), email it yourself (b), add it to a folder (c) or get its correct citation (d). 6 a b c d John . When you click on d (see the above image), you will find different citation formats. But what you are looking for is the MLA. Therefore, scroll down until you see the MLA.
9. The following could be seen. 10. Then, you can copy and paste to the word format. 11.
When writing the facts on the paragraphs, the source must be cited, which is called in-text citation. For example, if the article by John Mathew published in 2011, reported that every year X amount of CO2 is released in USA due to coal mining and contribute to global warming… . Here is how to write this fact in the paper: According to Mathew (2011), coal mining in USA releases X amount of CO2 in to the atmosphere, which is an important factor of global warming. 12. The last page should outline all the sources used in the paper.
It has to follow the MLA format. Check the format for Book, journal article, website sources, …. 13. Once you have finished your paper, you need to save it as pdf (so that the format wouldn’t get messed up). 14.
How to convert the finalized word document in to pdf? John 8 a. If you are using Microsoft: click on File (at the top left corner) ïƒ click on “Save asâ€ ïƒ then, select “pdf†under the “save as typeâ€. 15. Finally upload in Canvas, a.
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Paper for above instructions
The Causes of Human Behaviors: Nature vs. NurtureI. Introduction
Human behavior encompasses a vast spectrum of physical actions and observable emotions associated with individuals and humanity as a whole. The academic debate regarding the roots of human behavior pivots on two contrasting perspectives: the nature argument, positing that behaviors are inherited and dictated by genetics, and the nurture argument, which asserts that behaviors are acquired and molded by environmental influences (Plomin, DeFries, Craig, & McGuffin, 2010). This paper aims to critically explore both sides of the argument regarding human behavior and will subsequently present a conclusion based on the analysis.
II. The Genetic Argument
The nature side of the debate suggests that genetic factors largely influence human behavior. Charles Darwin (1871) illustrated this idea when he postulated that modern humans are modified descendants of previous forms, implying that individual differences are rooted in genetic variations. Numerous studies have emerged supporting the genetic basis for various behavioral traits.
The first significant body of research correlates genetic factors with mental disorders. Bailey, Phillips, and Rutter (1996) revealed a connection between hereditary factors and brain abnormalities, indicating that mental health issues can be traced back to genetic origins. Similarly, Keshavan and Murray (1997) demonstrated a strong genetic linkage to conditions such as autism and schizophrenia, further asserting the role of heredity in behavioral issues.
Secondly, the inherited traits associated with family dynamics have been widely studied. Vannicelli (2001) reported that the traits exhibited by parents often mirror those of their children, revealing a genetic predisposition toward certain behaviors. For instance, agreeable parents typically raise agreeable children, while aggressive parents may raise aggressive offspring. Such findings highlight the observable effects of genetic inheritance on behavior.
The research of Krueger, McGue, and Iacono (2001) underscores the genetic risk factors associated with various psychiatric conditions, suggesting that genetics plays a paramount role across numerous behavioral spectra. Furthermore, Locke et al. (2015) conducted a genome-wide association study that elucidated genetic contributions to obesity. Their research identified pathways and genes involving synaptic functions and metabolic processes, further linking obesity to broader implications for human behavior.
III. The Environmental Argument
Conversely, proponents of the nurture theory emphasize the critical role played by environmental factors rather than genetic predispositions. The nurture argument posits that behaviors are predominantly shaped by experiences and situational influences.
One notable study by Hill and Barton (2005) examined how the color red—a purely environmental factor—affected male performance in competitive situations, suggesting that external influences can significantly impact behavioral outcomes. This study indicates that while genetics may provide a baseline, environmental factors often influence how an individual’s genetic traits manifest in action.
Research conducted by Rose (1995) dismisses the idea that genetics play a direct role in behaviors like divorce and crime. In this perspective, the environment is seen as a significant determinant of behavioral outcomes. Rose's findings are echoed in a study by Burt et al. (2008), which demonstrated how exposure to divorce raised instances of delinquency among adolescents, reinforcing the argument that environmental experiences shape behavior more than genetic makeup.
Moore (2015) advanced the notion that not only the genetic predisposition but also the experience of individuals influences genetic activity. This concept of behavioral epigenetics posits that environmental conditions and personal experiences can lead to changes in gene expression, thus affecting behavioral inclinations. Moreover, Powledge (2011) underscored the importance of environmental factors, positing that nurture plays a fundamental role in nature’s outcomes, effectively bridging the two schools of thought.
Additionally, McGue and Bouchard (1998) highlighted the influence of environment through their twin and adoption studies, illustrating how genetically similar individuals raised in different environments display significant behavioral variations. These findings bolster the nurture argument that environmental factors can modulate inherited behaviors.
IV. Summary and Conclusion
This paper has critically evaluated the causes of human behavior through the lenses of genetic and environmental influences. Through a review of numerous studies, it has illustrated the strong backing for the genetic factors in the determination of human behaviors—including mental disorders, familial behaviors, and obesity—as well as substantial evidence supporting the environmental influences that emphasize learned behaviors and adaptations to varying situations.
In conclusion, while both the genetic and environmental arguments present compelling perspectives on the determinants of human behavior, it appears that an integrative approach recognizing the interplay of both factors may yield the most accurate understanding. Personally, I lean towards the belief that genetic factors may exert a more substantial influence on human behavior than environmental factors; however, the complexities of interactions between nature and nurture suggest that both elements are essential in shaping who we are.
References
1. Bailey, J. M., Phillips, J., & Rutter, M. (1996). Genetic influences on mental disorders. Psychological Medicine, 26(5), 1031-1041.
2. Burt, S. A., McGue, M., & Iacono, W. G. (2008). The influence of parental divorce on delinquency: a longitudinal study. Developmental Psychology, 44(3), 682–693.
3. Darwin, C. (1871). The Descent of Man, and Selection in Relation to Sex. London: J Murray.
4. Hill, R., & Barton, R. A. (2005). Red enhances human performance in contests. Nature, 435(7037), 293.
5. Keshavan, M., & Murray, R. M. (1997). The genetic liability for schizophrenia and the role of neurodevelopment. Psychological Medicine, 27(2), 196-206.
6. Krueger, R. F., McGue, M., & Iacono, W. G. (2001). The higher-order structure of common DSM mental disorders: internalization, externalization, and their connections to personality. Personality and Individual Differences, 30(8), 1245-1259.
7. Locke, A. E., Kahali, B., Berndt, S. I., Justice, A. E., Pers, T., & Day, F. R. (2015). Genetic studies of body mass index yield new insights for obesity biology. Nature, 518, 197-206.
8. Moore, D. (2015). The Developing Genome: An Introduction to Behavioral Epigenetics. Oxford University Press.
9. Plomin, R., DeFries, J. C., Craig, I. W., & McGuffin, P. (2010). Behavioral Genetics. Washington, DC: American Psychological Association.
10. Powledge, T. (2011). Behavioral Epigenetics: How Nurture Shapes Nature. BioScience, 61(8), 588-592.
11. Rose, R. J. (1995). Genes and human behavior. Annual Review of Psychology, 46, 625-654.
12. Vannicelli, M. (1989). Group psychotherapy with adult children of alcoholics: treatment techniques and countertransference. New York: Guilford Press.