Many personality theorists would argue that ____ sets limits on the range of development of characteristics and that within this range environmental forces determine characteristics.

A) group membership
B) culture
C) gender
D) heredity

Many personality theorists believe that heredity sets limits on the range of development of characteristics, meaning that an individual's genetic makeup creates a certain potential for traits and abilities, but environmental factors ultimately determine how those traits and abilities manifest. While group membership, culture, and gender can certainly influence the shaping of an individual's personality, heredity is seen as the primary factor in determining the limits of development.