Nature Vs Nurture Debate Essay

The nature versus nurture debate has been around for centuries. It is the argument over whether heredity or the environment has the most impact on human psychological development. In the debate nature refers to human’s genotypes, the set of genes inherited from parents. Nurture refers to environment factors an individual is exposed to over time. A phenotype refers to the characteristics resulting from interaction of a genotype with the environment (Carter 192). Generally, psychologists argue that who we are is predetermined by our DNA. While sociologists and social and behavioral scientists argue that it is external factors such as environment that shapes who people are. However, because of numerous evidence for human traits being each inherited and learned, the nature versus nurture debate has shifted from
It is as the Brain Book points out “Although most successful sprinters share a genetic advantage, the right genes alone are not enough. Athletes have to train hard and have a desire to win if they are to become champions” (Brain Book). So, some parts of athleticism are inherited by genes but that alone is not enough to become a successful athlete. In order to become a good athlete a lot of practice is required. Athletes can also be affected by a number of factors including culture, parents, and coaches. Culture affects the types of sports or activities people are likely to purse. For example America places a lot of focus on football, while Mexico places focus more on soccer. So, cultural values might sway opinions on which type of sport or activity people want to pursue. Parents and coaches play a big role as well. They can either encourage athletes to grow and develop their skills. Or, they can also have a negative influence and turn athletes away from a sport. Becoming an athlete requires a lot of work and athleticism is both heavily influenced by genes and the