Influencing Child
Development:
Heredity & Environment
Child Studies 11
M. Doherty
Heredity:
It’s in the genes!
•
Modified from http://www.msbroome.com/2007-2008/Power%20Points/Heredity%20BW.pdf
What is heredity?
• Heredity is the
passing of traits
from parent to
offspring.
• You inherit traits
from your parents
What are traits?
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•
•
•
•
•
•
Eye Color
Hair Color
Height
Weight
Body Structure
Facial Features
Skin Color
•
http://www.danceclasses.ca/photos/faces/faces_2004W_comp1.jpg
What traits did you inherit
from your parents?
• Complete the genetic scavenger hunt
with the people in your class.
• Also, list any unusual traits that your
classmates have on the back of the
paper.
• You have fifteen (15) minutes to
complete this assignment.
• Be ready to share with the class. 
Environment
• The other factor that influences child
development is the environment.
• Environment can also be thought of in two
ways: “nature” and “nurture”.
• Includes experiences children have in:
• their home
• School
• Community
• Some people refer to this as "nurture."
Environment (cont.)
• The environment can either improve or
harm a child's genetic blueprint.
• Ex: malnourished children who live in
developing countries may not reach their
IQ potential because of the impact of
their environment ( not enough nutrition)
on their brain development.
• Some people refer to this as "nature."
The Great Debate:
• Psychologists have been debating this idea
for years:
• “Nature vs. Nurture”
• Identical Strangers
• (otherwise known as: Does heredity or
environment play a bigger role in a child’s
development?)
Domains of Development
• Development is described in three domains,
but…
• Growth in one domain influences the other
domains.
Physical Domain
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body size
body proportions
Appearance
brain development
motor development, perception
capacities, physical health.
Cognitive / Intelligence
Domain
– thought processes and intellectual abilities
including:
– Attention
– Memory
– problem solving
– Imagination
– Creativity
– academic and everyday knowledge
– Metacognition
– language.
Social/Emotional Domain
– self-knowledge (self-esteem, metacognition,
sexual identity, ethnic identity)
– moral reasoning
– understanding and expression of emotions
– self-regulation
– Temperament
– understanding others
– interpersonal skills
– friendships
Discussion Question:
• Work with a partner and look at the three
development domain lists.
• Beside each one, write whether or not you
feel it would be affected by heredity or
environment.
• Hint: You can write an “H” or an “E” beside
each one.
• We will discuss our answers as a group
after five (5) minutes.