When researchers find similarities in development between very different cultures, what implications might such findings have for the nature-nurture issue?
It lends to the argument of nature (biological) control.
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When researchers find similarities in development between very different cultures, it has significant implications for the nature-nurture issue. The nature-nurture debate deals with the question of whether our development is primarily influenced by our genetic makeup (nature) or our environment and experiences (nurture).
If researchers discover similarities in development between different cultures, it suggests that there are certain universal aspects of human development that are influenced by nature. These similarities could arise from genetic predispositions or inherent biological factors that shape our development across different cultural contexts. For instance, the cognitive milestones reached by infants, such as language acquisition or object permanence, are commonly observed regardless of cultural background.
However, finding similarities in development does not rule out the influence of nurture. It's important to consider that cultures may share certain environmental factors that contribute to these similarities. For example, cultural practices such as language exposure or caregiving practices could be influencing children's development across different cultures.
To explore the nature-nurture issue in such cases, researchers would typically employ cross-cultural studies. These studies involve comparing the development of individuals from various cultures to identify similarities and differences. This helps to determine the extent to which nature (genetics) and nurture (environment) contribute to development, and whether certain aspects of development are universal or influenced by cultural variations.
Overall, when researchers find similarities in development between very different cultures, it suggests a complex interplay between nature and nurture. Genetics may set certain boundaries or predispositions, while the environment and cultural context shape and influence the development within those boundaries. By studying diverse cultures, we can gain a better understanding of the relative impact of nature and nurture in human development.