William Cope
Pinakini Shah
Nadia Ayub
Miquel Colobran.png "Samuel Chukwuemeka Obasi")
Samuel Chukwuemeka Obasi
Sara RichterLearning, Knowledge and Human Development MOOC’s Updates
Update #1 - Behaviorism and the Nature vs. Nurture Debate
Dr. Saul Mcleod, in an online article on the behaviorist approach, says “Behaviorism, also known as behavioral psychology, is a theory of learning which states all behaviors are learned through interaction with the environment through a process called conditioning. Thus, behavior is simply a response to environmental stimuli.” [1] This Behaviorist thinking is extremely black and white. As a fellow human, I expect those reading this will agree that in life, nothing is ever black and white. I believe that a person is made up of both genes and experiences, so psychology should include behaviorism as a lens though which to view learning, however we would be ignorant to assume that inherited mental and biological factors do not play a major role in human development. This leads me to the age old Nature vs. Nurture debate which I have found fascinating for a long time. As I have been researching more on the topic, I don’t think that the Nature vs. Nurture debate should not be a debate at all.
Jason Dean, MD in an article on Why Nature vs. Nurture is a False Dichotomy, writes that “The age-old question, nature vs. nurture, is really a misguided question. It's misguided because it implies that nature and nurture represent a stark dichotomy.” [2] He goes on to write “The truth is that nature and nurture interact with each other with seamless reciprocity. Research has taught us that the environment actually shapes childhood neurodevelopment, molding the brain as it grows and develops.” I think this is extremely important to understand, so that we view the human experience as an integrated whole, instead of separate parts. In my personal experience, I have observed this concept in action, though with a different twist. My sister and I grew up with very similar experiences, raised by the same parents with the same beliefs and values, educated in a similar way. However, we grew up to be extremely different people. I cannot get enough of education, having earned a BA in Psychology, MS in Architecture, and now participating in these Coursera online courses. My sister on the other hand, is the creative one, building a successful career as a hairdresser. She cannot stand to do math, while I do math problems for fun. I am annoyed to spend 5 minutes getting ready in the morning, while doing hair and makeup is her greatest joy. We were obviously born with extremely different genetic predispositions towards our interests, though our childhoods were very similar.
Sources:
https://www.simplypsychology.org/behaviorism.html
https://jasondeanmd.com/nature-vs-nurture/?cn-reloaded=1
I agree completely with what you're saying - that nature must be a huge factor. And there is also the birth order theory in this case (first born children are usually more academically successful), which could be another argument for nurture in your case.
I don't think the writer is saying he is more intelligent than his sister, simply that he is more inclined toward seeking traditional educational opportunities. One could, in fact, argue that his sister in fact has a higher intelligence (as opposed to knowledge), given her more creative approach. (Not that I am actually saying that's the case here, incidentally.)
I believe that where all of these theories ultimately miss the mark is that they are attempting to simply something that is incredibly complex. Learning can take the form of classroom education, reading, life experiences, etc. It is significantly impacted by personal motivation (would we consider that a form of self-nurturing, possibly?). But I also appreciate that there is some effort to understand and break down this complex topic.
@Abigail Thanks for response, I find it insightful.
However, I never meant to imply that the writer said he was more intelligent that his sister. He never did. What I trying to bring about is that intelligence can be manifested in various aspects (subjects). Someone might consider me not so bright because I am not good with history or economics or I do not write fluently. Or the fact that I am good in maths, chemistry and physics does make more intelligent than someone who good in arts and social sciences. Sometimes personal interest or its lack thereof influence ones willingness to learn.
@Abigail Perrine i totally agree with you
In comparing yourself and your sister, I think the fact that you are more academic inclined does not meant that your are more intelligent than your sister. The two of you might be equally intelligent but have preference for certain subjects or fields. One of the reason I opted for science is because I hate writing long essays. During my secondary school education I did not do well when it came to subjects like history, economics, government, literature as I did in science subjects.
I believe no matter the which area of preference, intelligence would always show.