Final answer:
The nature contribution to development emphasizes genetic makeup while nurture focuses on environmental influences. The nature vs. nurture debate underlines that both genetics and environment play integral roles in shaping behaviors, underscored by theories such as neuroconstructivism.
Step-by-step explanation:
Nature vs. Nurture in Development -
The nature contribution to development focuses on the genetic contributions to behavior. It involves understanding how our genetic makeup and biological factors contribute to our personalities and traits. Conversely, nurture refers to the environmental influences, including how we are raised, our interactions with peers, and the cultural expectations that shape our behavior.
Instances such as why biological children act like their parents, or whether adopted children resemble their biological or adoptive families, direct our attention towards understanding these complex interactions. Moreover, the concept of epigenetics shows that even individuals with identical genes can vary in appearance and behavior due to different environmental influences.
Neuroconstructivism theory is a recent perspective that explains how experiences impact neural pathway development, influencing cognitive and behavioral outcomes. This theory underscores the notion that neither nature nor nurture solely defines human behavior, but rather a combination of both, as seen in the bidirectional influence of genes and the environment.