When it comes to humans, researchers obviously can't control either the genetic background of the environment of humans compared to nonhumans. Developmental researchers have examined groups of people in light of their degree of genetic similarity (pg. 53). For example, if they were to find a high association on a particular trait between children and their biological parents but a weaker association between children and adoptive parents, they would have evidence for the importance of genetics in realizing the expression of that trait. There is also the consideration of if there is a stronger association on a trait between adoptive parents and their children compared to biological parents and their children; they have evidence for the importance of the environment in determining that trait. In conclusion, all traits, characteristics, and behaviors result from the combination and interaction of nature and nurture.
So what exactly makes "me, me"? I can get help with that question by looking at what the big five personality traits are. The big five personality traits are neuroticism, extraversion, openness, agreeableness, and conscientiousness. After looking at my options from the big five personality list, I believe that I represent extraversion, openness, and agreeableness. I am known to be extraversion because I am very outgoing and I can make friends with anybody. Being outgoing is definitely a strong part of what makes up who I am now because when I was in middle school I was extremely shy and avoided being seen too much. I was really shy because I didn't have a lot of friends, low confidence, and was intimidated by my twin sisters' popularity. I became more outgoing when I joined the track team and tried to be more outgoing like my sister. My sister was the one who taught me to be more outgoing because I tried to become more like her so people would like me as much as they liked her.