The Interactionist Perspective Rather than drawing conclusions based on nature or nurture, investigating the roots of the interaction between genes and the environment may be more productive. In this regard, the early psychologist and philosopher William James (1842–1910) appeared to have the right approach. Like Galton, James was an ardent follower of Charles Darwin and felt that humans had strong biological instincts that governed much of behavior. However, he also felt that experiences could later override instincts and become more influential depending on individual differences (James, 1890). Jamess view is aligned with contemporary perspectives, as scientists no longer believe that either experiences or biology are solely responsible for a persons destiny. For instance, biological aging is the strongest variable involved in the prediction of Alzheimers disease and other forms of dementia, but there is also evidence that diet, exercise, and other environmental factors are influential. And, specific kinds of cognitive exercises and even providing social support can reduce vulnerability to dementia (Camp, 2006; Rosendorff, Beeri, & Silverman, 2007). Further, one of two similar people may eat a healthy diet and grow up fit, while the other eats poorly and develops diabetes, high blood pressure, and high cholesterol. Some parents insist that their children complete homework every night before going to bed at a reasonable time, and other parents have few mandates. Some people have more opportunities and experience than others in learning to read, acquiring the skills needed to become organized, or learning how to behave during a job interview. In all of these cases, nature and nurture interact to prescribe development in a way that may be completely unpredictable. One of the clearest examples of how nature and nurture interact comes from a study in which researchers bred strains of rats to show specific traits. One group was bred with a high level of aggression and the other with low levels of aggression. In separate colonies, they behaved according to their biological predispositions. But when they were raised together, all the rats showed similar levels of aggression (Hood, 2005). It is apparent from this study that environment has the potential to override genetic predisposition. Alternatively, nature often trumps nurture, as in the case of people born with low intellect or physical limitations. Regardless, the interactionist perspective has slowly replaced the theory that we can trace observable traits and behaviors to specific genes.
Posted on: Mon, 05 Jan 2015 20:36:15 +0000
Trending Topics
Recently Viewed Topics
© 2015