Chapter 3; Class

Question 1

What is Nativism?

Answer 1

A previous perspective of human differences that emphasized genes and inborn characteristics (nature).

Question 2

What is Empiricism?

Answer 2

A previous perspective of human differences that focused on learning and experience (nurture).

Question 3

What is Evolutionary Psychology?

Answer 3

Considers the evolutionary foundations for modern psychological traits. Looks at what the evolutionary foundations/reasons for things like human memory, perception, language ability; why people do what they do and how those behaviours have helped in the survival of the species.

Question 4

What is Behavioural Genetics?

Answer 4

Looks to understand the link between behaviour and genetics.

Question 5

What does empiricism emphasize?

Answer 5

The role of experience.

Question 6

What attempts to tease apart the relative contributions of heredity and environment?

Answer 6

Behavioural genetics.

Question 7

What are reasons that the frequency of genes in a population may change?

Answer 7

1. Mutation
2. Crossing over
3. Copying errors

Question 8

What are rod-shaped paired structures made of DNA that are located in the nucleus of the cell?

Answer 8

Chromosomes.

Question 9

What are some innate human characteristics?

Answer 9

1. Sucking reflex
2. Interest in novelty
3. The ability to walk on two legs

Question 10

What does “The Event” refer to?

Answer 10

The publication of Chomsky’s ideas about language.

Question 11

Sociobiologists predict that, compared to males, females:

Answer 11

Are more likely to be monogamous; choose a partner who is stable and secure; be discriminating in their choice of a mate.

Question 12

What arguments may be used by critics of evolutionary explanations of courtship and mating behaviours?

Answer 12

1. On questionnaires, both sexes rate kindness, understanding, and intelligence above physical qualities and financial status
2. Similarity and proximity are the strongest predictors of mate selection
3. Sexual attitudes and practice vary considerably within a culture

Question 13

Define Heritability.

Answer 13

An estimate of the proportion of the total variance in a trait that is attributed to genetics.

Question 14

What is an advantage of genetic testing?

Answer 14

Knowing that a child’s disorder is genetic can keep a parent from experiencing unnecessary guilt.

Question 15

What are disadvantages of genetic testing?

Answer 15

1. Genetic information could be used to discriminate against an individual
2. Knowing a genetic risk could result in a self-fulfilling prophesy
3. Knowing that a child’s disorder is genetic can keep a parent from experiencing unnecessary guilt

Question 16

What does Nativism emphasize?

Answer 16

The role of our genetic nature.

Question 17

What emphasizes the evolutionary mechanisms that might help explain similarities in behaviour?

Answer 17

Evolutionary psychology.

Question 18

Define Genes.

Answer 18

The functional units of heredity that code for the structure of proteins.

Question 19

Evolutionary psychologists view the mind as:

Answer 19

A collection of specialized mental modules.

Question 20

What supports the existence of an innate language acquisition device?

Answer 20

1. Children in different cultures go through similar stages of linguistic development.
2. Adults who do not consistently correct their children’s syntax.
3. Children combine words in ways that adults never would.

Question 21

Who is the founder of the field of Sociobiology?

Answer 21

EO Wilson (ant guy).

Question 22

Sociobiologists predict that, compared to females, males:

Answer 22

Are more likely to be promiscuous; choose a young, attractive mate; be polygamous.

Question 23

What is true about heritability?

Answer 23

Heritability can help explain difference within a group.

Question 24

What happens with estimates of the heritability of intelligence?

Answer 24

It increases with age, at least up until middle age.

Question 25

What is associated with reduced mental ability?

Answer 25

Poor prenatal care, malnutrition, stressful family circumstances.