Genetic and Environmental Influences on Human Development

Human growth and development is an incredibly complex process, influenced by both genetic and environmental factors. At certain times and for certain developments, genetic influences dominate, whereas at other times, environmental influences are more powerful which emphasizes the fact that genetic and environmental forces are always working together (Sigelman and Rider, 2009). This paper will examine that part of human growth and development which may observed in the early childhood period (preschool years), in particular that area of growth and development termed â€Å"morality†. The complexity of this area and the concepts involved necessitates a rather expansive look at the perspectives on Moral Development in order to develop contextual†¦show more content†¦Kohlberg (1963, 1981, 1984; Colby Kohlberg, 1987) expanded Piaget’s work, developing a most influential cognitive developmental theory of moral development. Kohlberg proposed the progression through the invariant, universal sequence of three moral levels each composed of two distinct stages. According to Kohlberg, no stage can be skipped, neither will there be a regression to an earlier stage. Kohlberg’s assessment can be summarised as; a) Preconventional morality - rules are externalized and conformation is motivated by the desire to avoid punishment or obtain personal reward. Self perspective is dominant: â€Å"what I like or what I can get away with is right.† Stage 1: Punishment obedience orientation: the consequences determine the goodness or badness of an act. Obedience is to avoid punishment but â€Å"if it won’t be punished then it’s not wrong†; the severity of the punishment or the greatness of the harm done determines the level ofShow MoreRelatedHuman Behavior And Human Development Essay1530 Words   |  7 Pagesstudy of human genes is increasingly improving our understanding of human development, it is not solely our genetic makeup that determines how we will develop. Humans as a species share many universal traits, which make it easy to disregard the large influence the environment plays in development. Throughout the lifespan, the environment presents itself in many different positions that help determine and shape human development. By looking at the influence of the environment and genetics on human developmentRead MoreEssay about Child Development, Nature vs Nurture801 Words   |  4 Pagesnature v ersus nurture debate is one of the oldest issues in psychology. 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