Ch. 4 Nature vs Nurture Flashcards
behavior genetics
study of relative power and limits of genetic and environmental influences on behavior
hereditary
genetic transfer of characteristics from parent to offspring
environment
every nongenetic influence
chromosomes
threadlike structures made of DNA molecules that contain genes
DNA
complex molecule containing genetic information that makes up chromosomes
genome
complete instruction for making an organism
genes
biochemical unit of hereditary that makes up the chromosomes, small segment of DNA capable of synthesizing proteins
identical twins
individuals who develop from a single fertilized egg
fraternal twins
individuals who develop from separate fertilized eggs
heritability
proportion of variation among individuals in a group that we can attribute to genes
interaction
interplay that occurs when the effect of one factor depends on the other
molecular genetics
studies molecular function and structure of genes
molecular behavior genetics
study of how structure and function of genes interact with our environment to influence behavior
epigenetics
study of molecular mechanisms by which environments can influence gene expression
evolutionary psychology
study of evolution of behavior and the mind
mutation
random error in gene replication that leads to a change
social script
culturally modeled guide for how to act in situations
culture
enduring behaviors, ideas, attitudes, values, and traditions shared by a group of people and transmitted from one generation to another
norm
understood rule for accepted and expected behavior
individualism
giving priority to ones own goals over group goals and identifying ones identity in terms of personal attributes rather than group identifications
collectivism
giving priority to ones group and defining ones identity accordingly
sex
defines male/female/intersex
intersex
possessing male and female biological sexual characteristics at birth
aggression
any physical/verbal behavior intended to harm someone physically/emotionally
relational aggression
aggression intended to harm a persons relationship or social standing
X chromosomes
found in males and females
y chromosomes
only in males
testosterone
most important male sex hormone, in males stimulates growth of sex organs and develops male sex characteristics during puberty
estrogen
sex hormones that contribute to female sex characteristics
puberty
period of sexual maturation
primary sex characteristics
body structures that make sexual reproduction possible
secondary sex characteristics
nonreproductive sexual traits
spermarche
1st ejaculation
menarche
first period
role
set of expectations about a social position
gender role
set of expected behaviors, attitudes, traits, for men/women
sexual aggression
aggression of sexual nature, harassment/assault
gender identity
sense of being male/female/neither/both
social learning theory
learn social behavior by observing and imitating and by being rewarded or punished
gender typing
acquisition of traditional masculine/feminine roles
androgyny
displaying both masculine and feminine psychological traits
transgender
people whose gender identity/expression differs from that associated with birth
