Module 11 Behavior Genetics and Evolutionary Psychology

Behavior Geneticists study of the relative power and limits of genetic and environmental influences on behavior Ex. Child temperament, personality, and height are based on individuals genes Environment every non-genetic influence, from paternal nutrition to the people and things around us. Ex. The Kent Community, Family and friends Chromosome (chapters) threadlike structures made of DNA molecules that contain genes, 46 chromosomes altogether Ex. Chromosome 23, defines our sex (XX and XY) DNA (paragraphs) A complex molecule containing the genetic information that makes up the chromosomes. Ex. Genes (words) Biochemical units of heredity that make up the chromosomes; a segment of DNA capable of synthesizing a protein. Ex. Determines my hair color, eye color, skin color, etc Genome the complete instructions for making an organism, consisting of all the genetic material in that organisms chromosomes. Ex. Height, IQ, happiness, aggressiveness - Our traits are influenced by groups of genes that interact with the environment - Genetic dispositions help explain both shared human nature and human diversity Identical Twins twins who develop from a single fertilized egg that splits in two, creating two genetically identical organisms. Ex. Elvis and Jesse Presley were identical twins - Dont always have same number of copies of those genes (one twin more at risk of a certain illness) - Most Identical Twins share a placenta but 1 in 3 may have two separate placentas: one placenta may provide better nourishment = differences - If twin is identical, risk of Alzheimers disease for other twin is 60% Fraternal Twins twins who develop from separate fertilized eggs. They are genetically no closer than brothers and sisters, but they share a fetal environment Ex. Scarlett Johansson and Hunter Johansson - If twin is fraternal, risk of Alzheimers disease is 30% - Jim Lewis & Jim Springer: 38 years separated, shared similar intelligence, heart rate, brain waves, personality (genes play a huge role in personality) Adoption genetic relatives (biological parents and siblings) vs. environmental relatives (adoptive parents and siblings)

Ex. Marilyn Monroe was adopted Ex. Biologically related or not, people who grew up together do not much resemble in personality (McGue & Bouchard) Temperament a persons characteristic emotional reactivity and intensity Ex. Difficult babies, easy babies, slow-to-warm-up babies - Heredity predisposes temperament differences - One gene regulates neurotransmitter serotonin that regulates fear Heritability the proportion of variation among individuals that we can attribute to genes. Ex. Personality has a high heritability. Ex. Identical twins who were both neat Interaction the interplay that occurs when the effect of one factor (such as environment) depends on another factor (such as heredity). Ex. If we were all raised inside a barrel, then our heritability would be high Molecular genetics the subfield of biology that studies the molecular structure and function of genes Ex. Gene therapy Evolutionary psychology the study of the evolution of behavior and the mind, using principles of natural selection Ex. Memory, perception, and language are evolutionary adaptations Natural selection the principle that, among the range of inherited trait variations, those that lead to increased reproduction and survival will most likely be passed on to succeeding generations. Ex. Charles Darwin, survival of the fittest, only desirable traits are passed to the next generation Mutations a random error in gene replication that leads to a change. Ex. Extra copy of Chromosome 21 replication = Downs Syndrome Gender In psychology, the biologically and socially influenced characteristics by which people define male and female. Ex. Female, Male, Gender Neutral

Module 12 Environment Influences on Behavior

Culture the enduring behaviors, ideas, attitudes, values, and traditions shared by a group of people and transmitted from one generation to the next Ex. Celebrating Chinese New Year, Christmas, Halloween Norm an understood rule for accepted and expected behavior. Norms prescribe proper Ex. Wearing shoes vs. not wearing shoes in the house Personal Space the buffer zone we like to maintain around our bodies. Ex. Some people are comfortable being in close proximity to other people than others Individualism giving priority to ones own goals over group goals and defining ones identity in terms of personal attributes rather than group identifications. Ex. Self reliance, self learning, independence Collectivism giving priority to goals of ones group and defining ones identity accordingly. Ex. Interdependent, society over individual (Spartan Culture) Aggression physical or verbal behavior intended to hurt someone. Ex. Males are more prone to physical aggression that most women X Chromosome the sex chromosome found in both men and women. Females have two X chromosomes; males have one. An X chromosome from the mother, it produces a male child. Ex. 23 Chromosome that determines sex Y chromosome the sex chromosome found only in males. When paired with an X chromosome from the mother, it produces a male child. Ex. 23 Chromosome that determines sex, only males have a Y chromosome Testosterone the most important of the male sex hormones. Both males and females have it, but the additional testosterone I males stimulates the growth of the male sex organs in the fetus and the development of the male sex characteristics during puberty. Ex. Dominant male sex hormone Role a set of expectations (norms) about a social position, defining how those in the position ought to behave. Ex. sphere of influences Gender role a set of expected behaviors for males or for females. Ex. Boys dont cry Gender identity our sense of being male or female. Ex. Could physically look like male but identify yourself as a female

Gender typing the acquisition of a traditional masculine or feminine role. Ex. Moms stay at home and take care of the children, Dads work Social learning theory the theory that we learn social behavior by observing and imitating and by being rewarded or punished. Ex. In Middle School we say or wear things that are trendy and cool as a result was are rewarded with acceptance