FTCE Professional Education Practice Exam

What do internal variables represent in the nature vs. nurture debate?

1. Genetic factors

2. Environmental influences

3. Social structures

4. Cultural practices

The correct answer is: Genetic factors

Internal variables in the nature vs. nurture debate primarily refer to genetic factors. These are the inherent characteristics, predispositions, and biological traits that an individual inherits from their parents. Genetic factors play a significant role in shaping various aspects of a person's development, including physical traits, cognitive abilities, and even some behavioral tendencies. Understanding internal variables is crucial because they help to illustrate how biological inheritance can influence a person's potential and functioning alongside environmental factors. In contrast, the other options, while relevant to the broader context of development, represent external influences. Environmental influences encompass the surrounding conditions and experiences that can affect an individual, social structures refer to the organization of society that impacts people's interactions and opportunities, and cultural practices relate to shared behaviors and norms within specific groups. Each of these elements plays a role in shaping an individual’s life, but they do so from an external standpoint, whereas internal variables focus strictly on the genetic and hereditary aspect of human development.