Nature and Nurture

What is Nature Theory?

Nature theory tells us about people’s behavior that is shaped by heredity (DNA or genetically). This process happened before birth.

What is Nurture Theory?

Nurture theory tells us about people’s behavior that is shaped by environment. This process happened after birth.

The Pros and Cons between Nature and Nurture theory:

Nature	Nurture
There are many fears that genetic argument can be used to excuse criminality.	Phobia can be explained by classical conditioning
“Gay gene”???	Human behavior could be conditioned in the same way as animal.
“were you born that way” claimed “new studies show it’s mostly in your genes”	Sense of humor is not genetically determined
Twins… means same???	Twins… never exactly the same.

Both nature and nurture will always have pros and cons and we will never know which the winner is. We never know how much someone behaves is affected by DNA or his/her experience. But, we know that both theories play a part in human life.

Ericson’s Theory:

Ericson’s theory tells us about someone’s ego identity that shaped because of some experiences.

Age	Erikson's psychosocial crisis stages (syntonic v dystonic)	life stage / relationships / issues
0-18 months	1. Trust v Mistrust	infant / mother / feeding and being comforted, teething, sleeping
2-3 year	2. Autonomy v Shame & Doubt	toddler / parents / bodily functions, toilet training, muscular control, walking
3-5 year	3. Initiative v Guilt	preschool / family / exploration and discovery, adventure and play
6-11 year	4. Industry v Inferiority	schoolchild / school, teachers, friends, neighborhood / achievement and accomplishment
12-18 year	5. Identity v Role Confusion	adolescent / peers, groups, influences / resolving identity and direction, becoming a grown-up
19-40 year	6. Intimacy v Isolation	young adult / lovers, friends, work connections / intimate relationships, work and social life
40-65 year	7. Generativity v Stagnation	mid-adult / children, community / 'giving back', helping, contributing
65-death	8. Integrity v Despair	late adult / society, the world, life / meaning and purpose, life achievements

Click here to see Ericson’s theory.

My Opinion:

We should not differentiate this theory… because both theory is true and it’s affect each other. Baby will always bear by nature (DNA) and will grow up and shaped his behavior by his environment. Its work in the same way as our student candidate… every student will always different. The most important thing is as a teacher we must be professional in shaped our student behavior to be an inventor (see Ericson stage on age 6-11 year)

Source:

Class discussion on Wednesday, 8^th February 2012

Powell, Kimberly. 2010. Nature vs. Nurture: Are we really born that way? About.com guide

http://www.businessballs.com/erik_erikson_psychosocial_theory.htm