Genie Case Study: Insights into the Nature vs. Nurture Debate on Language Development

Genie Case Study Student’s Name: Institutional Affiliation Genie Case Study Nature vs. Nurture The nature vs. nurture debate attempts to identify the balance in the influence of genetic factors and the environment on behavior. Through this debate, researchers determine how biological factors particularly the inherited genes and the environment influence learning abilities (Beck, 2021). Nature indicates the individual’s pre-wiring that cannot be changed and is adopted from genetic factors. Measures of intelligence, social skills, and physical characteristics are categorized as nature and mostly rely on an individual’s genes. On the other hand, environmental factors such as the family members influence, education obtained through school, and learning resources comprise nurture. While both nature and nurture play a significant role in learning and development, the debate is based on the balance indicating the input each has on a child. Genie’s case demonstrates that both nature and nurture influenced her learning and behavior. The scientists interacting with her noted that she was sociable from the start and able to attract people’s attention. Their assessment of her initial skills demonstrates that nature influenced her ability to socialize even when she had not gained any language or communication skills (Cherry & Swaim, 2021). From the start of her education, Genie was able to connect with other people and demonstrate an understanding of social interactions. According to Genie’s case, her brother and mother did not pay any attention to her and her father was abusive. Consequently, she did not learn any social skills from her home and nature inf