Assignment 2: Evolution, Genes, Environment, and Development

Running Head: EVOLUTION, GENES, ENVIRONMENT, AND DEVELOPMENT 1
Assignment 2: Evolution, Genes, Environment, and Development
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EVOLUTION, GENES, ENVIRONMENT, AND DEVELOPMENT 2
Evolution, Genes, Environment, and Development
Part A: Evolutionary Psychology of Morality
de Waal uses non-human animal as examples to help readers understand the evolution of
human morality. The examples are crucial as they help one understand morality in a clearer
manner than they would when human examples would be used. Empathy has an evolutionary
benefit as it helps one put themselves in the position of others which is the main reason n it
evolved.
Part B: Heritability and Personality
The nature-nurture debate is related to personality psychology as it entails the extent to
which specific aspects of an individual’s behavior are a product of either genetic or learned
influences (Turkheimer, 2018). Nature is the influence of biological factors such as genetic
inheritance while nurture on the other hand is the influence of external factors after birth such as
life experiences and exposure on an individual (Turkheimer, 2018). Consequently, the nature-
nurture debate applies to the field of psychology since it is explains the contribution that the two
influences have on human behavior.
Twin studies on the other hand are used to explain the role of genetics in personality
psychology. Studies that have been conducted on twins that are separated after birth show that
genetics contribute significantly to personality development (Polderman et al., 2015). Twin
studies also show that the environment does not have a significant impact on the personality of
twins who are raised together as compared to those who are raised apart.
According to the website, developing ones self-awareness is very important as it helps
individuals understand themselves better. In addition, self-awareness helps one learn what they
are capable of as well. People should work on their self-awareness as it does not only help one

EVOLUTION, GENES, ENVIRONMENT, AND DEVELOPMENT 3
feel confident and aware of themselves but also helps individuals learn more about their
preferences, beliefs, values, and tendencies. Becoming self-aware of oneself also helps one
understand their strengths and limitations.
There are different ways that people would implement in a bid to become self-aware.
One of these ways is by assessing one’s self-talk. According to the website, the first step to
becoming self-aware is by listening to oneself. This helps one sought out their positive and
negative thoughts. To achieve this, one should take a few minutes of their day and sit to listen to
their thoughts. The second way of becoming self-aware is by using one’s senses which helps one
become aware of their insights and those of others. Tuning into ones feelings is the third way of
earning to be self-aware.
Part C: Evaluating Children’s Toys
In the article ‘Beyond Programming: The Power of Making Games,’ Lisa Castaneda and
Sidhu, discuss various concepts entailing video game development and the way it has changed
the programming world. In their article, Lisa and Sidhu correctly point out the broader
perspective that is given to students pursuing game development with precise adherence to the
basic ideas that they hold before getting to understand this better. The article focuses on the art
and creative expression values of video game development and consequently engages the
exploration of some of the programs that have been associated with game development. Some of
the most critical ideas in the content they deliver in the article are the design and development
profession of video games. They also disclose about a survey they engaged in. Specifically, their
engagement in the research on this topic is bound to expound the area of gaming and to do so,
and they discuss the differences or the developments that have been updated from the old
programming which according to them was understandable.