1. Explaining differences/ Explaining similarities
Nature VS nurture
Explaining differences/ Explaining similarities

2. Question
If it were possible, would you want to take a genetic test telling you which diseases you are likely to suffer from later in life?
If you or your partner were pregnant- would you want the unborn child tested for genetic defects?

3. Nature when biology determines characteristic's
Biological determinism

4. Dominant and Recessive Genes
The Tower of London
46 Books
23 donated by mother
23 donated by father
Books are Chromosomes
Chromosomes made from dna
Genes are small areas of dna
30,000 genes per chromosome

5. Dominant vs. recessive genes
Dominant genes
Recessive genes
Characteristic is always present
Two recessive genes must be paired in order for the characteristic to be present

6. Consider Dolly….
Would a human clone’s adult personality mimic the person donating the genetic code? or Would he/she be unique?

7. Heredity=When biology determines characteristics
Genetic Predisposition
Genetic Determinism
Humans are born with a likelihood toward certain characteristics
Does not mean “Born with”
Usually needs something from the environment to activate- (diathesis-stress model)
Common genetic predispositions….body weight-alcoholism-Alzheimer’s-Schizophrenia
The idea that genes determine characteristics
Genotype= “full” heredity
Phenotype= “observed” properties
Common genetic abnormalities.. Down Syndrome, Williams Syndrome, Color blindness, PKU

8. How do genes and the environment interact?
PKU= Phenylketonuria
Occurs when parents pass along a defective gene

9. How Similar Are We? How do we know?

10. Identical Twins Reared apart…
The Minnesota Twin Study

11. Adoption Studies Characteristics more similar to biological parents..
With some exceptions.. Faith, values, manners, attitude.

12. Your “genetic” or “Core” of your personality is your temperament
The Easy child
The Difficult child
The Slow-to-warm-up child
What works best?
Parent/Child-Goodness-of-fit

13. “Life is like a game of cards
“Life is like a game of cards. The hand that is dealt you presents determinism; the way you play it is free will.” Nehru

14. The Environment (and our experiences) shape us…
Nurture

15. Nature enables nurture and Nurture enables nature
Critical Period: An important time in development where development needs to happen or it will be delayed or dysfunctional Prenatal influences: German measles, birth defects, teratogens, fetal alcohol syndrome Culture: Establish their own norms

16. Experience and Brain Development… It’s complicated
Impoverished Environment
Enriched Environment
The Somerville Project
Abecedarian Project

17. Big Boys don’t cry!

18. How does Nature and nurture interact to define us as male or female?
Gender Roles
Gender Identity
A set of expected behaviors for males and for females
One’s personal sense of being male or female