As Shenk describes the runners of the Kalenjin tribe of
Kenya, he points out the importance of the “cultural ‘achievement orientation’,
defined as the inclination to seek new challenges, attain competence, and
strive to outdo others” (105). Similarly, Carol Dweck’s growth mindset
experiment showed that in grade school students, half of the children who were
told they had inborn intelligence did not set higher goals for themselves,
while 90% of the children who were told they were working hard chose to challenge
themselves (98). Furthermore, Shenk mentions how “every human being (even a
whole society) can grow…if the environment demands it” (44). The environmental
demands of the Kalenjin tribe lifestyle consisted heavily of running, “an
average of eight to twelve kilometers per day from age seven” (105). Seeing
these two factors of growth, the mindset to overcome challenges, and the
environment, which one is more significant to achieving growth in a particular
area? Is it possible for someone to become an excellent athlete, even if they
lack the alpha-actinin-3 protein (101)? Can encouragement and the will to set
higher goals have a greater impact on potential than genes?
Ria Singh (riasingsing@gmail.com)
While both are important, the mindset to overcome challenges can arguably be seen as more significant to achieving growth in a particular area than is the environment. This can be seen in many of the examples used throughout the book, such as the twins Otto and Edwald from page 83. Both twins possessed the same genes, but had different mindsets, one trained for running and the other for strength. They grew up in the same environment but utilized their genes differently. This example proved that one can be placed in an environment that encourages development, but one will not be able to utilize this if he/she does not have the mindset to utilize it. Those with a growth mindset ‘know they can learn and develop, so they take on more challenges rather than avoid them, and persist more, especially in the face of setbacks’ (http://generallythinking.com/growth-mindset-versus-fixed-mindset/). This further proves that it is possible for someone to become a great athlete without being born with exceptional genes, or with the alpha protein.
ReplyDeleteIn a study done to better understand alpha-actinin-3 protein, mice who had the protein were compared with those who had a deficiency in the protein, like most humans have. The results showed that, ‘mouse muscle lacking alpha-actinin-3 uses energy more efficiently, with the fast fibers displaying metabolic and contractile properties of slow oxidative fibers. While this favors endurance activities, the trade off is that the muscle cannot generate the rapid contractions needed to excel in sprinting. We propose that the shift towards more efficient aerobic muscle metabolism [is] associated with alpha-actinin-3 deficiency’ (http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/18637739). The protein shows signs of regulation of ‘skeletal muscle metabolism, fibre size, muscle mass and contractile properties’ which are what contribute to the extraordinary abilities of the runners from Jamaica. Although they have this increased potential for their bodies to be stronger for running, they need to be motivated in order to fulfill their potential. They happen to have more potential than others due to their increased physical abilities, but these abilities are no good if they are not used. This is supported by Shenk’s conclusion that ‘genes don’t directly cause traits; they only influence the system’ (107). What causes those traits to appear are environmental stimuli or extreme motivation.
This study also relates to the biology concept of evolution. As stated before, humans generally lack the alpha protein gene because this allows muscles to use energy more efficiently. Clearly, lacking this protein has been an evolutionary advantage throughout history despite its benefit to sprinters. Despite this evolutionary advantage, it was stated in the article that ‘the association between ACTN3 genotype and skeletal muscle performance has since been replicated in athletes and non-athlete cohorts’. How can this be? Using the proposed GxE model, one can suppose that those who have the motivation and drive to become incredible athletes are capable of mimicking the effects of the protein through intense hours of practice and deliberate, effective training.
The runners from Kenya, for example, were not born with the same potential as those from Jamaica, but their environmental situations influenced their extraordinary growth. Their genes were not exceptional, unlike those of the Jamaicans who have the alpha protein, so they prove that the will to set higher goals can in fact have a greater impact on potential outcome than genes. Instead of the Kenyans passing on the beneficial gene that the Jamaicans pass on, generations of Kenyans instead are passed on the knowledge of the benefits of a propitious attitude, means of attaining maximum nutrition, and are given plenty of time to train (108). Kenyans prove that the mindset to excel can be just as beneficial as having exceptional genes.
Michaela Margolis (mmargolis989@gmail.com)
Having the mindset to overcome challenges and being exposed to a specific environment that will help you to achieve certain goals are both important and both greatly influence a person’s outcome. However, I believe that the environment a person is subject to has a greater effect on their outcome. I do agree with Michaela that mindset is very important but I believe that a growth mindset is a result of ones environment. While commenting on the findings of Carol Dweck, Shenk writes, “Other Dweck experiments pointed in the same direction, demonstrating irrefutably that people who believe in inborn intelligence and talents are less intellectually adventurous and less successful in school” (98). This quote would lead one to believe that it is the mindset that would allow an individual to overcome a challenge. According to Shenk, if people would only believe that if they worked hard they too can become great. However, having a growth mindset only plays half of the role.
ReplyDeleteMichaela brings up the story of Otto and Edwald mentioned by Shenk on page 83. She states, “They grew up in the same environment but utilized their genes differently”. However, these two actually grew up in very different environments. They both trained very differently and interacted with people differently. Therefore they ended up with different final results. What Michaela fails to recognize is that ones environment is much more than where you are located. An environment is actually “The physical and biological factors along with the chemical interactions that affect an organism” (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Environment). This definition helps to show that environment is much more important than previously thought.
In the case of the Kalenjin runners, the environment is pivotal to their success. Kalenjin runners start their training at the age of seven and they run eight to twelve kilometers a day (Shenk, 105). Children of such a young age are only required to run so often in very few places. From the beginning, their lifestyles required these kids to run long distances. In an environment with little to no automobile transportation children are required to run to get to school everyday and to get food or water for the family. They are required to run daily. Also, the Kalenjin live at an altitude of about 7,000 feet above sea level, which means that they are constantly running at a higher altitude. According to Noah Beardsley, in his article “The Kalenjins: A look at why they are so good at long-distance running”, in order for the Kalenjins “To make up for the lack of oxygen…the body has to increase the amount of red (blood) cells transporting oxygen in the blood” (http://www.as.ua.edu/ant/bindon/ant475/Papers/Beardsley.pdf). This adoption of the human body to allow for more red blood cells to be made to carry more oxygen to the body show the biological theme of regulation and homeostasis. When there is less oxygen in the air the blood must be more effective in trapping all available oxygen to keep the body at homeostasis. Training at these high altitudes can allow for greater endurance. Their environment has helped Kalenjin children to become great runners. The physical environment has helped these runners succeed but their mental environment was also very important to their success.
To be continued Aaron Appelbaum (aaronbaron580@aol.com)
Continuation from above...
ReplyDeleteCarol Dweck writes, “Think about intelligence, talents, and personality. Are they just fixed or can you develop them?” (http://mindsetonline.com/whatisit/themindsets/index.html). This is a classic quote about mindset. Dweck believes that one can grow and that if you believe you will never get better then you never will. Although this may be true, it is the environment that allows our minds to think that way. From the moment of our conception, the environment around us has been shaping and allowing certain interactions to occur which result in the final product which is each of us. Every action we make and conversation we have is shaping how we will be in the future. This is especially true when one is young. The brain goes through “prime times” when it is like a “supersponge” and learning is at its peak (http://www.ag.ndsu.edu/pubs/yf/famsci/fs609w.htm). It is during these times of great learning is when the mind can develop this growth mindset. If a person is constantly being exposed to parents or teachers who are encouraging hard work as apposed to high achievement, then that person is more likely to develop this growth mindset. This type of encouragement can be more useful than having specific “super” genes. Some may say that the presence of the protein ACTN3 it what gives Jamaican runners their edge. But geneticist Daniel MacArthur writes “There’s simply no clear relationship between the frequency of this variant in a population and its capacity to produce sprinting superstars” (Shenk, 101). A person will not become great just because they have the genes that may help them get there, they must be willing to work. Having this growth mindset helps when trying to achieve ones goals. A person will be willing to work harder because they know that if they do they will reach their goals. But the growth mindset is a result of ones environment. People have to realize the power the environments we are exposed to have on us. It can control who we are, the abilities we have, and the mindsets we have.
Aaron Appelbaum (aaronbaron580@aol.com)