Psychology

Human beings are all different from one another. These differences are brought about by a number of factors including nature, nurture and maturation (Papalia, Olds and Feldman, 2001). Not even identical twins are absolutely similar as there are subtle differences between the two. The debate over what influences these differences is long an unending. However, it can be said that both heredity and environment play a significant role in human development. For instance characteristics such as color of the skin, height, appearances etc are inherited whereas our thoughts, actions and feelings are mostly influenced by the environment. As much as children inherit some characteristics from parents, still quality nurturing is vital to improve and effectively utilize these characteristics.

Heredity
Heredity refers to what occurs to individuals by nature. These are capabilities and tendencies possessed by individuals and are realized as one matures (Plomin, 1994). Heredity may give some characteristics that are typical of an individual, group or species. For example skin color, hair, eyes temperament, body size and the use of language. These inherited features sometimes aid a child to excel in particular sports or subjects. According to this theory therefore human beings are born with specific personalities and talents. These characteristics later determine what an individual would become later in life.

Environment
The environment or nurture refers to external factors that an individual is exposed to throughout his or her lifetime (Papalia, Olds, and Feldman, 2001). The environment can be social for example peer pressure, media, neighborhoods, friends and families or it can be physical such as secondhand smoking, global warming etc. In order for an infant to be sportive-adult or healthy-minded then it needs to be exposed to an environment which will support such traits. The praises and rewards given to an individual after performing certain acts would encourage them. On the other hand people avoid doing things which lead to punishment and or disapproval from elders.

Maturation
According to Gesells theory of maturation the development of a child is greatly influenced by the process of aging (Salkind, 1981). This is opposed to other life experiences such as learning. Development is therefore perceived as resulting from biological forces. The rate of a childs development is determined by biological and genetic make up regardless of influences from the environment. This theory therefore bares similarity with heredity since no external influence is perceived to be responsible for the growth of children.

Interaction of Theories
There is no one theory that can best explain human development thus the need for interaction (Plomin, 1994). The onset of puberty and rate of a childs maturation are influenced by genetic, maturation and environmental factors. The child need to be born healthy and at the same time it needs a healthy environment to develop fully into an adult. In societies where children have many siblings, it tends to hinder their rate of growth compared to those with few siblings. In the former the growth rate is slower.

Again, when a child is born with a particular talent like playing football this talent will be known with those closest to him i.e. teachers and parents. Once this talent is noticed the child will get more exposure to the game. The childs interest in the sport will increase as more attention, praises and opportunities continue to be offered. It is therefore clear that environment and inherited talent developed him or her. The childs immediate environment changed in order to support his talent. In turn his talent is enhanced as he develops further in the sport.

Conclusion
It is important to note that there are a number of factors which determine the different personalities in society. As much as a child will inherit some characteristics from parents, still the environment molds and helps to determine character in individuals. It is nature that ensures infants are born healthy, whereas as children mature they learn through experience and practice. In this way the environment helps children develop effectively.