Question

Many psychologists are interested in the ways in which nature and nurture interact to influence development. Which one of the following examples illustrates the influence of nature?

a. Eight year-old Yannie goes to his Aunt Jane’s house after school every day. As he watches television, Jane gives him as much candy and other sweets as he wants, and so he is becoming increasingly overweight.
b. Fourteen-year-old Deborah is starting to grow pubic hair, and she’s just had her first menstrual period.
c. Two year-old Sophia is learning to speak two languages because her parents speak Spanish at home but everyone at her preschool speaks English.
d. Ten year-old Bart loves being outdoors. As far back as he can remember, his family has gone camping almost every weekend during the summer months.

Answer 1

Letter B is the correct answer.

We know that the culture we live in plays big part on our children's development. In fact, many psychologists focus on how the interaction between nature and nurture influences such development. However, when the teenager Deborah starts to notice a growth of pubic hair and experiences her first menstrual period, she is going through a phase that exemplifies the influence of nature in her development.