Nature Versus Nurture

Prepare: Watch the Nature or Nurture video. **You may view a written transcript of this video or click the "CC" button on the video player above.**

As you prepare to write your first discussion for this course, carefully read the Week One Instructor Guidance, section 2.7 in your textbook, and watch the video above. You will examine your past in relation to how nature and nurture influenced your development.
Reflect: Take a deeper look at your own life and background to determine the influences that nature and nurture have had on your development. Has one been more influential than the other in shaping the person you are today?

Write: For this discussion, respond to the following:

- In your own words, define the term nature. Provide two personal examples of how nature (genes) has significantly influenced your development.

- In your own words, define the term nurture. Provide two personal examples of how nurture (environment) has influenced your development.

- Join the nature versus nurture debate! State your position on whether nature or nurture has had more influence on your development. Support your position by explaining why you see it that way.

Your initial post should contain a minimum of 250 words and be written in complete sentences.

Respond to Peers by Day 7: Review your classmates' posts, and respond to at least two of your peers. Compare and contrast how nature and nurture have influenced their lives vs. your own. Each response should be a minimum of 50 words.

Think about it this way...

This discussion is asking you to do four things:

- Read Instructor Guidance, section 2.7, and watch video.

- Provide a definition of nature in your own words and think of two examples how nature (genetics) has influenced your development.

- Provide a definition of nurture in your own words and think of two examples how nurture (environment) has influenced your development.

- State your position of whether nature or nurture has had more influence on your development and explain why.

Type a heading for each section above (e.g., Nature, Nurture), and then, write the information under each heading in complete sentences. This helps the reader quickly identify each section and helps you know that you have covered all of the requirements for this post.

Reflecting on the Past: Brainstorming

Directions: Brainstorm about your past to reflect upon two significant, uplifting, positive experiences and/or events that had a profound impact on your life. Consider events from your childhood, adolescence, young adulthood, and so forth. Try not to limit your thinking and ideas as you brainstorm, so keep in mind that there are no right or wrong answers. Therefore, it will not be graded upon specific content, only that you took the opportunity to share your personal thoughts and experiences.

You will be filling out the Week One Brainstorming Worksheet to complete the assignment. To save it to your computer, use the following instructions:

- Right click on this Brainstorming Worksheet link.
- Select "Save As."
- Save the file to your computer (desktop or a folder).
o Need help downloading the worksheet? Watch Downloading a Document.

Upon completion of this assignment, you will need to save it to your computer as a Microsoft Word document and submit it using the Assignment Submission button.

Watch Submitting an Assignment Through Waypoint for instructions.

What if I don't have Microsoft Word?

- All Ashford students have free access to Microsoft Word, PowerPoint, Excel, and OneNote through Office 365. Students should download the software to their computer, or they can use the online or cloud version. AU Students should go to https://portal.office.com/ to access their Office 365 offerings and their student email.

- For resources on how to use Microsoft tools, visit the Microsoft Office 365 Student Help page.

- If you are not yet using Office 365 and your @student.ashford.edu email address, please read the Support FAQ for assistance.

Carefully review the Grading Rubric for the criteria that will be used to evaluate your assignment.

Nature or Nurture video -

http://www.sciencechannel.com/tv-shows/through-the-wormhole/videos/nature-or-nurture/

Transcript of this video

http://vizedhtmlcontent.next.ecollege.com/pub/content/e9a0cb6b-758c-419e-bd64-7876d57d672f/Nature_or_nurture_video__W1.pdf

Brainstorming Worksheet -

http://vizedhtmlcontent.next.ecollege.com/pub/content/5c41cab3-68ed-4228-8b3b-2c293470bfc1/PSY202___WK_1_Brainstorming_Journal_1.9.15.docx

Downloading a Document -

http://ashford.mediaspace.kaltura.com/media/Downloading+a+Document/0_6160jlag/19511472