Ashford 3: – Week 2 – Discussion 1

Your initial discussion thread is due on Day 3 (Thursday) and you have until Day 7 (Monday) to respond to your classmates. Your grade will reflect both the quality of your initial post and the depth of your responses. Reference the Discussion Forum Grading Rubric for guidance on how your discussion will be evaluated.

Nature   vs. Nurture

 The debate concerning the influence of inherited traits and abilities compared to the influence of environment on human development has been argued for decades.  The required reading this week provides information on the extent of which human development and behavior is the result of nature (heredity) and of nurture (environmental influences).
 

In this discussion you will debate nature vs. nurture.  Below is your assigned debate grouping by the first letter of your last name:

1. A-M: Proponent of Nature 
2. N-Z: Proponent of Nurture 

Due by Day 3: For this debate, you must develop a persuasive, research-based argument showing the extent to which your assigned influence affects development.  Be sure to utilize both the course text as well as other scholarly resources to support your argument.  Remember, you are arguing that either nature or nurture is the most important influence on development.
 

Due by Day 5: Review your classmates’ posts and respond to at least one who is arguing from the opposing side. Negate their argument by providing examples that support your argument.  
 

Due by Day 6: Follow-up to any responses that have been posted to your argument, continuing the debate.
 

Due by Day 7: Your final post will be an articulation of your own beliefs about nature vs. nurture. What, in your opinion, is the most reasonable one-paragraph resolution of this controversy?