Marcella Silva family studies and human development junior

Family studies junior reflects on nature vs. nurture argument and stands up for Mr. Rogers

WILDCAT: Why have you chosen to major in family studies?

SILVA: Honestly? I just want to get out of here and it's easy.

WILDCAT: Do you want to have lots of kids?

SILVA: Umm · no. Maybe one or two.

WILDCAT: What has your major taught you about kids who are the only child?

SILVA: I think they get ripped off. I'm one of six, so it's better.

WILDCAT: What is your main focus in family studies?

SILVA: Just general development over lifespan.

WILDCAT: Why is it that certain children are super hyper-active and others are shy?

SILVA: I think it has to do with how they are raised. And maybe a lot of it is attention-getting behavior.

WILDCAT: What about monkeys ö is it the same with them?

SILVA: What?

WILDCAT: Well, do you think an animal's outcome is dependent on the way it was raised?

SILVA: Well animals other than humans don't have the same cognitive functions we do.

WILDCAT: What if you have a monkey that is the only monkey baby, and his parents pay a lot of attention to him, and then you have a monkey whose parents don't pay as much attention to him. Is more likely to, say, knock down the banana tree?

SILVA: I think that is a ridiculous question. I don't mean to be rude, but it's just not logical.

WILDCAT: Do you think Sesame Street or Mr. Rogers is more educational for children?

SILVA: Sesame Street is just geared more towards a target audience, like pre-school kids, so that's why.

WILDCAT: And Mr. Rogers is just creepy?

SILVA: No, he's just not geared towards a target audience.