Question

How do you think heredity and environment worked hand-in-hand to enable Pellman to reach 100 in such admirable shape? Is there evidence that his home environment encouraged his innate abilities?

Epilogue from chapter 9 , introduction to psychology.

Answer 1

There has always been a debate over the effect of nature or nurture on development. There are evidences which say that genes and heredity influences the way we grow and develop. On the other hand there are ample examples, form the researches which suggest that environment plays a major role in shaping what we are and why we are the way we are.

In my opinion the role of both genes and environment cannot be over or under emphasized. If the individual is not genetically endowed with the mechanisms required for being fully functional, no matter how enabling an environment may be, he/she will not be able to strive and thrive and could not achieve his/her maximum potential. In the case of Pellman as well, both nature and nurture provided their support to shape the way he is right now. In other words, it may also be said that if a child has all the potential to be intelligent and if he is growing in a home where enough opportunities are given to him to develop his intellect than he would ultimately become intelligent and will be able to perform better in the real world. The role of parents and significant others cannot be overlooked when a child is growing up. A lot of experiences provide him with experiential learning that promotes his health and well-being.

In the end I would like to conclude that how an individual is shaped is dependent upon the genetic predispositions one is born with and an enabling environment in which the individual is striving and thriving and not just adapting or adjusting.