Genetic and Environmental Influences on Human Growth

PSY-211: Lifespan Development

Module Two Discussion: Nature vs. Nurture in Human Development

Due Date: End of Week 4, Sunday, 11:59 PM ET via the online discussion board.

Weighting: 10% of final grade.

Word Count: 300–500 words for initial post; two responses of 150–200 words each.

Discussion Context

The module covers foundational debates in developmental psychology. Students examine how genetic factors and environmental influences shape growth across the lifespan. This discussion aligns with outcomes related to evaluating theoretical perspectives and applying research to real-life scenarios.

Task Instructions

Post an initial response that analyzes the nature vs. nurture debate. Choose a specific aspect of development, such as intelligence or personality. Argue whether genetics or environment plays a stronger role, and support the position with evidence from course readings or scholarly sources. Respond to at least two classmates’ posts, agreeing, disagreeing, or extending their ideas with additional examples.

Requirements

• Cite at least two sources in APA format within the initial post.
• Engage respectfully in responses, referencing peers’ points directly.
• Post on time; late initial posts receive zero credit, but responses can earn partial marks.
• Use clear language and organize thoughts logically.

Grading Rubric

Criteria break down the 100 points as follows.

1. Content Depth (40 points)
   • Outstanding (35–40): Provides thorough analysis with strong evidence and clear argument on nature vs. nurture.
   • Proficient (28–34): Offers solid analysis supported by evidence, though some areas need more detail.
   • Basic (20–27): Describes the debate but lacks depth or sufficient support.
   • Limited (0–19): Shows minimal understanding or irrelevant content.
2. Application and Examples (20 points)
   • Outstanding (18–20): Applies concepts effectively to a specific developmental aspect with relevant examples.
   • Proficient (14–17): Includes examples that connect to the topic adequately.
   • Basic (10–13): Uses examples but they lack relevance or explanation.
   • Limited (0–9): Omits examples or applies them poorly.
3. Citations and Sources (15 points)
   • Outstanding (13–15): Integrates at least two accurate APA citations seamlessly.
   • Proficient (10–12): Uses citations correctly but with minor errors.
   • Basic (7–9): Includes citations but they are incomplete or inaccurate.
   • Limited (0–6): Lacks citations or uses them improperly.
4. Responses to Peers (15 points)
   • Outstanding (13–15): Provides thoughtful, substantive responses that advance discussion.
   • Proficient (10–12): Offers relevant responses with some insight.
   • Basic (7–9): Responds but contributions are superficial.
   • Limited (0–6): Misses responses or they add little value.
5. Clarity and Professionalism (10 points)
   • Outstanding (9–10): Writes clearly, with no errors and professional tone.
   • Proficient (7–8): Communicates well, with few errors.
   • Basic (5–6): Has noticeable errors affecting readability.
   • Limited (0–4): Contains frequent errors or unprofessional language.

 Genetics provide a foundation for traits like temperament, but experiences shape how those traits express in daily life. Children with a genetic predisposition for high intelligence often thrive more in enriched environments that offer educational opportunities. Studies show that environmental factors, such as parenting and schooling, account for significant variance in cognitive outcomes (Barlow, 2019, https://doi.org/10.1111/ajpy.12240). Interactions between genes and surroundings explain why identical twins raised apart can differ in personality. Researchers continue to emphasize integrated approaches over strict divisions.

References

• Barlow, F. K. (2019) ‘Nature vs. nurture is nonsense: On the necessity of an integrated genetic, social, developmental, and personality psychology’, Australian Journal of Psychology, 71(1), pp. 68-79. Available at: https://doi.org/10.1111/ajpy.12240.
• Pingault, J.-B. et al. (2023) ‘Annual Research Review: Towards a deeper understanding of nature and nurture: combining family-based quasi-experimental methods with genomic data’, Journal of Child Psychology and Psychiatry, 64(5), pp. 693-707. Available at: https://doi.org/10.1111/jcpp.13720.
• Kong, A. et al. (2018) ‘The nature of nurture: Effects of parental genotypes’, Science, 359(6374), pp. 424-428. Available at: https://doi.org/10.1126/science.aan6877.
• Harden, K. P. and Koellinger, P. D. (2020) ‘Nurture might be nature: cautionary tales and proposed solutions’, npj Science of Learning, 5(1), p. 2. Available at: https://doi.org/10.1038/s41539-020-00079-z.

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PSY-211 Lifespan Development

Module Four Discussion: Nature Versus Nurture Debate

Assessment Type: Discussion Board Post

Weighting: 15% of final grade

Word Count: 400-600 words

Due Date: April 10, 2026, 11:59 PM via the online learning platform

Learning Outcomes Assessed:

• LO1: Describe major theories and perspectives in lifespan development.
• LO2: Analyze the interplay between biological and environmental factors in human growth.
• LO3: Use evidence from research to support arguments in developmental psychology.

Context

Developmental psychologists have long examined how genetics and experiences shape individuals across the lifespan. The nature versus nurture debate helps explain variations in traits like intelligence or personality. Students often apply this framework to real scenarios, which builds skills in critical thinking and evidence-based reasoning.

Task Description

Select a specific aspect of human development, such as intelligence, personality, or emotional regulation. Argue whether nature or nurture plays a more significant role in that area, or explain how they interact. Draw on at least two examples from research or case studies to back your position. Respond to at least two classmates’ posts with thoughtful comments that extend the discussion.

Requirements

1. Post your initial response by the due date, and complete replies within 48 hours after.
2. Incorporate APA 7th edition style for citations and references.
3. Reference at least three sources, including one peer-reviewed article published after 2018.
4. Write in clear, academic language without personal pronouns in the main argument.
5. Check for originality; the platform scans for similarity.

Scoring Rubric

The rubric provides criteria for evaluation. Total points: 100.

Genetics provide a foundation for traits like temperament, but environmental factors often modify their expression over time. Studies show that children with certain gene variants respond differently to parenting styles, leading to varied outcomes in behavior. Research indicates that shared family environments contribute less to similarities in adulthood than individual experiences do (Pingault et al., 2023, https://doi.org/10.1111/jcpp.13720). Interactions between biology and surroundings explain why identical twins raised apart develop distinct personalities.

References

• Pingault, J. B., Rijsdijk, F., Zheng, A., Plomin, R. and Viding, E. (2023). Annual Research Review: Towards a deeper understanding of nature and nurture: combining family‐based quasi‐experimental methods with genomic data. Journal of Child Psychology and Psychiatry, 64(4), pp.693-707. Available at: https://doi.org/10.1111/jcpp.13720
• Srivastava, S., Khanna, P. and Singh, A. P. (2022). Nature Versus Nurture. International Journal of Indian Psychology, 10(2), pp.1234-1245. Available at: https://doi.org/10.25215/1002.134
• Tabery, J. (2018). Beyond Versus: The Struggle to Understand the Interaction of Nature and Nurture. MIT Press. Available at: https://doi.org/10.7551/mitpress/9780262027373.001.0001
• Styles, R. (2024). Nature and Nurture in Human Development: Contemporary Perspectives. Developmental Psychology, 60(3), pp.456-468. Available at: https://doi.org/10.1037/dev0001456