Here's a breakdown:
Key Points:
* Acquired: Learned characteristics are not innate. They are gained through interaction with the environment.
* Influenced by Experience: Our experiences shape our learning and, therefore, our learned characteristics.
* Changeable: Unlike inherited traits, learned characteristics can be modified, improved, or even unlearned.
Examples of Learned Characteristics:
* Language: We learn to speak and understand a language through exposure and practice.
* Skills: Playing a musical instrument, riding a bike, cooking, etc., all involve learning and practice.
* Knowledge: Facts, concepts, and information are acquired through education and experience.
* Values: Our moral compass, beliefs, and priorities are often shaped by our upbringing, culture, and personal experiences.
* Personality Traits: While some personality traits may have a genetic component, others, like optimism or pessimism, can be influenced by our interactions with the world.
In contrast to Inherited Characteristics:
Inherited characteristics are determined by our genes and are passed down from our parents. Examples include eye color, hair color, and certain predispositions to diseases.
Understanding Learned Characteristics:
Recognizing learned characteristics is important because it emphasizes the plasticity of the human brain and the potential for growth and change. It also highlights the importance of providing opportunities for learning and development.