Evaluate the nature-nurture debate in relation to the development of an individual

The effect of nature in relation to an individual’s development can be shown in the studies of twins. Flanagan (2002) did research in a study in which a set of twins were raised differently. This set of identical twins was raised apart and they didn’t meet each other until they were 40 years old. They had many similarities despite the fact that they were raised differently. The explanation for this was that nature must’ve been a major part in their development. The study’s conclusion was that on multiple measures of personality, temperament and social interests, mono-zygotic twins reared apart are about as similar mono-zygotic twins reared together. From this we can say that nature plays a vital role in an individual’s development. (www.objana.com/natnurt).

In a way nature can be seen as our genetic gift, which gives us physical traits such as hair colour, eye colour and form of our body. It also identifies the different emotions and motivations we are likely to experience. However, a new can’t encounter, unless there is some sort of change to our genes. So, in a way genes give us our certain traits, although it is a matter of whether or not we carry out our certain inherited qualities.

The other side of the debate is nurture. A nurture account of development, also known as environment focuses on influences from the environment which shape development and behaviour, (B.Stretch, 2007). One way of illustrating the nature side of this debate in relation to an individual’s development is their family surrounding. The family that an individual comes from is very important to their development, this then gives the nurture perspective another reason why the environment is important. People who grow up in a household with only one biological parent are worse off, than those who grow up with both their biological parents, regardless of the parent ethnical educational background of whether the parents are married. This is because; the person to look up to and use as role models and this is something that a person needs.(A.Bell, 2002).

Twin studies can also be used to determine if the environment is the leading factor where an individual’s development is concerned. If a set of identical twins were separated and brought up in different environment , than the results are likely to show that it is an even amount of influence of a person. The twins both liked Italian food, had problems understanding maths, and similar temperament and ways of doing things. The differences that they showed were in their working habits and thoughts; one was a bit more free-thinking and tolerant than the other. They were quite alike because of there heredity, however they were different because of the way they were brought up in different environments. (G.Shoesmith, 2003)

Overall, nature and nurture are tied to together with one another, mostly in ways that cannot be seen and it is confusing and stressful trying to work out which one creates an individual as a whole. I believe that both sides of the debate are equally important when it come to influencing an individual’s development. Our genetic inheritance are vital as it is the basis of what kind of people we are, but the environment can alter and develop a person even more. It seems that this battle between nature and nurture will go on for a very long time because both sides can be easily backed with sufficient evidence. Some say and agree that nature and nurture are both major influences to the development of behaviour. This is because we receive our genes our family. Whether we realise it our not, nature and nurture are mixed in with each other, influencing traits for everyone.