-Josh Weisberg (superswimmer51@sbcglobal.net)
Thursday, March 22, 2012
The Argument: Factors of Environmental Factors
In the first part of "The Argument" (pgs 5-12), Shenk talks all about Ted Williams ability to hit a baseball based on his genetics, or natural ability, and his environmental factors, or practice. He presents his argument about how Williams's practice had a larger effect on his ability than the genetics he started out with. He also covers his opposition, that genetics are the deciding factor in a person's ability. However, he never examines genetics other than talent that could've lead to Ted's success. For example, to practice the way he did, would take a great deal of motivation and drive. These personality traits along with many others also set us humans apart. In the relationship between environmental factors and genetics which results in gene expression, is it possible that these personality traits along with many others such as stubbornness, ability to deal with stress, will power, and many more could effect how much the environment affects our gene expression? For example, if one person deals with stress better than the other, would environmental stressors affect the higher stressed person's gene expression more? Relate this back to our gene expression unit, and think about the chemicals and hormones involved. Also, in what other ways is Shenk's proposed environment-genetics relationship more dynamic than he suggested?
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I believe that our personality/genetics definitely plays a part in our gene expression in terms of interacting with the environment. As Shenk emphasizes as a central concept in his book, people respond very differently to the same environmental trigger. For example, some people may thrive in a competitive, fast-paced environment, while others will be overshadowed and overwhelmed in the same conditions. Our responses to different factors-influenced by personality- affects the release of chemicals in our bodies. For example, the neurotransmitter dopamine is found in more impulsive personalities, and can express genes related to hyperactivity disorders.
ReplyDeletePersonality can be influenced by our genes, but is also highly susceptible to change; psychologists from the University of Manchester showed that people's personality can change significantly over time, contrary to popular belief. This ties in with a fixed vs. growth mindset, because even personality traits--previously thought to be predetermined-- can positively change based on a person's mindset. The author of the study, Chris Boyce, stresses that "personality change...contributes much more to improvements in our personal wellbeing". This shows that the genetics-environment relationship is much more dynamic than Shenk described because personality itself is changeable, which complicates the already complex tangle of variable environments and gene expression.
(http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/03/120305081412.htm)
-Akila Khan (starlight608@gmail.com)