Anya Bhatnagar

Are people’s hobbies determined by their parents' values or their own?

Started Feb. 12, 2024

Abstract or project description

This study investigates whether individuals' hobbies are influenced more significantly by their parents' values or by their own personal preferences. By examining a range of previously written research papers, along with conducting surveys with a diverse group of participants, I aim to discern patterns and correlations between parental influence and the development of personal hobbies. I will be using an anonymous survey which I will send to my friends and family to gain my data. I will have a few different groups I’ll be looking at when conducting my research. These include sex and age. I aim to have as many participants as possible coming with no exclusion. My expectations for this study are that women are more likely to be influenced compared to men, and older age groups are less susceptible to influence. If I am correct, this will show their is a correlation between these groups and how subjected they are to influence. If incorrect it may show that more research is needed to be done and we should explore alternate explanations for why these results occurred. This research delves into the nature versus nurture debate, aiming to highlight whether individuals prioritize their own inclinations or those they seek approval from, specifically their parents in this context. If individuals prioritize their own values, it may indicate a stronger influence of nature or genetics in their hobby choices, as they are opting for preferences inherent from birth. If individuals pursue activities based on their parents' preferences, it suggests a stronger influence of nurture or environmental factors, as external influences from their parents are shaping their choices. Through this study I hope to contribute to the broader understanding of this debate, offering insights into how familial and personal factors shape leisure activities.