Genetics or heredity refers to the origin of differences between people.
In the study of genetics, we look at the basic unit, the gene. “Genes are sections of DNA (deoxyribonucleic acid) that determines a particular feature by instructing cells to produce certain traits. Genes are part of chromosomes (found in the reproductive cells) that determines a particular feature. ” (Bradfield & Potter 2004). In human development, heritable traits, such as eye colour, body height or shape, depend on a scope of environmental factors as well, such as temperature, oxygen levels and well–being (safety, or trauma).In this paper, we will see how genetics and environmental factors can affect each other as well as a person’s intelligence.
The term “Nature versus nurture” in its contemporary view was theorized by the English Victorian Francis Galton in his study of the effects of heredity and environment on intelligence and social advancements. Galton summarized his findings by a simple example; “an environment of wealth and education and social privilege are often historically passed to genetic offspring. ” (Sdorow 1993) From this statement it is evident that Galton strongly believes that genetics will influence intelligence.The concept of human’s acquisition of their behavioural patterns was researched by philosopher John Locke (1632-1704). He proposes that humans are born with a “blank slate” (Tabala Rasa) and that humans develop from only environmental factors.
Locke believed knowledge and intelligence are derived through life experiences and educational training (Sdorow 1993). On the other hand rationalists such as Rene’ Descartes (1596-1650), a French philosopher and scientist, strongly believes that intelligences are past down in genes of humans.He states that our knowledge is primarily inborn and our intellectual abilities are accredited to heredity. In a more modern study (a century ago), done by Francis Galton, we see where genetics or “nature” prevails enormously over environmental learning (“nature”). Galton proports that behavioural tendencies differ from person to person and that heredity has molded our intelligence and social skills. Other modern researches have been designed to study the impact of heredity on intelligence and behaviour.
Since we know that genes have been passed down from parents to offspring there are also character traits that identify us as a family.Traits are both physical and behavioural. In studying identical twins, genetic relatedness will be one hundred percent (100%), in parents, brothers and sisters as well as fraternal twins, fifty percent (50% and in second degree relatives (aunts, grandparents), twenty five percent (25%) (Weiten 2005). These studies are geared to demonstrate that heredity affects behavioural traits and indirectly intelligence. For instance from a family of doctors there will likely be children who are scientific minded with high levels of intelligence.The Theorist John B.
Watson (1878-1958), proports that “nurture” or environment has more influences on intelligence than genetics. In one of his findings, he stated, “give me a dozen healthy infants, well-formed, and my own specified world to bring them up in and I will guarantee to take anyone at random and train him to become any type of specialist I might select: doctor, lawyer, artist, merchant-chief and, yes, even beggar- man and thief, regardless of his talents, penchants, tendencies, abilities, vocations, and race of his ancestors.”Watson claims that genetics does not affect intelligence but instead any human-being can be trained to be intelligent. Woalfork (1998) describes intelligence as the ability to acquire and use knowledge for solving problems and adapting to the world. It is the writer’s view that one has to be born with some level of intelligence in order to acquire new skills and knowledge to adapt to their world.
From personal experiences as a teacher I have seen several students from the same family whose levels of reading are very poor.This is proof that poor reading genetics was passed down as with further investigation it was found out that the parents are also poor readers. With the multiple intelligence theory (Howard Gardener 1983) the writer will take on a combinational approach, where in both genetics and environment plays a vital role in intelligence building. Some persons can be born with visual or spatial intelligence (artist, photographers) but as social mobility takes place from their success they can become writers, or musical to advance themselves into other fields based on their environmental association.In the social learning theory, Albert Bandura (1925- ) indirectly attributes intelligence and social awareness to environmental factors (“nurture”), Bandura believes that learning occurs by observing what others do and that these observations form an important part of our intellectual development and personality (Linda, 2001). He further suggests that self-efficacy will determine persons views on successes.
Although the social learning theory focuses mainly on environmental influences it still shows that intrinsic motivation (self-efficacy) is necessary for success and this can be garnered from both “nature” and “nurture”.Jean Piaget (1896- 1980) develop his cognitive theory of development in humans. This approach suggests that humans will eventually acquire basic intelligences through four (4) main stages. An infant is able to identify its mother’s voice, smell, face as well as the permanence of objects in their environment. By age twelve (12) to adulthood, biological maturity will become more logical through experiences in a person’s environment. He uses both genetic (biological stages) as well as environmental factors to hypothesize his theory.
He said all humans will go through these stages of cognitive development (intelligence and learning) but environment will play a key part in how one reasons or solves daily challenges. Finally, the debate between genetics and environment (“nature-nurture” theory) will always continue. One should be careful and take on a dual, approach and give credit to both for influencing intelligences. Although heredity refers to genetic variation between people on a trait, theorists have proven that traits in particular individuals are also due to environmental factors. The “nature-nurture theory” are both very influential to intelligence whether practical or logical.
