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nature–nurture

the dispute over the relative contributions of hereditary and constitutional factors (nature) and environmental factors (nurture) to the development of an individual. Nativists emphasize the role of heredity, whereas environmentalists emphasize sociocultural and ecological factors, including family attitudes, child-rearing practices, and economic status. Most scientists now accept that there is a close interaction between hereditary and environmental factors in the ontogeny of behavior (see epigenesis). Also called heredity–environment controversy; nature–nurture issue; nature–nurture problem.

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Psychology term of the day

March 13th 2025

class inclusion

class inclusion

the concept that a subordinate class (e.g., dogs) must always be smaller than the superordinate class in which it is contained (e.g., animals). Jean Piaget believed that understanding the concept of class inclusion represented an important developmental step. Children progress from classifications based on personal factors, perceptual features, and common function to classifications based on hierarchical relationships; for example, a monkey is a primate, a mammal, and a vertebrate animal. See concrete operation.