Nature vs Nurture in Sport
Individual differences in sporting performance are influenced by both nature and nurture. In IB Sports, Exercise and Health Science (SEHS), this topic explores how genetic factors interact with environmental influences to shape athletic ability, performance potential, and long-term development.
Understanding this balance helps explain why athletes respond differently to training and why performance varies between individuals even with similar practice.
What Is Nature in Sport?
Nature refers to genetic and biological factors that an individual is born with. These factors influence physical characteristics and performance potential.
Nature-related factors include:
- Muscle fibre type distribution
- Height and limb length
- Aerobic capacity potential
- Hormonal profile
In IB SEHS, nature helps explain why some individuals may have a predisposition for endurance, strength, or power-based activities.
What Is Nurture in Sport?
Nurture refers to environmental and experiential factors that influence development over time. These factors shape how an athlete’s potential is expressed.
Nurture-related factors include:
- Training quality and quantity
- Coaching and feedback
- Nutrition and recovery
- Access to facilities and support
In IB SEHS, nurture explains why athletes with similar genetics can show very different performance levels.
Interaction Between Nature and Nurture
Nature and nurture do not act independently. Performance results from the interaction between genetic potential and environmental influences.
For example:
- An athlete with favourable genetics may not succeed without quality training
- An athlete with average genetics may achieve high performance through optimal nurture
High-mark IB answers emphasise interaction rather than choosing one factor over the other.
Sporting Examples of Nature vs Nurture
Different sports highlight the balance between nature and nurture.
Examples include:
- Height advantage in basketball combined with skill training
- Endurance potential enhanced through aerobic training
- Strength gains influenced by genetics and resistance training
These examples help students apply abstract concepts to real sporting contexts.
Exam Relevance for IB SEHS
Nature vs nurture questions often require discussion and evaluation. High-mark answers:
- Define both concepts clearly
- Provide balanced explanations
- Use applied sporting examples
Avoid arguing that performance is due entirely to genetics or training alone.
Common IB Mistakes to Avoid
Typical errors include:
- Ignoring one side of the debate
- Using vague examples
- Failing to link factors to performance
Clear structure and balanced evaluation improve exam responses significantly.
RevisionDojo Call to Action
If individual differences topics feel abstract or difficult to structure in exams, RevisionDojo helps IB SEHS students master evaluation-style answers with clear frameworks and exam-style practice. It is the most effective way to turn understanding into marks.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What does nature mean in IB SEHS?
Nature refers to genetic and biological factors that influence performance potential.
What does nurture mean in IB SEHS?
Nurture refers to environmental influences such as training, coaching, and lifestyle.
How is nature vs nurture tested in IB SEHS exams?
Students are often asked to discuss or evaluate the relative importance of genetics and environment using applied examples.
