Chapter 4 Flashcards
Environment
Every non-genetic influence, from prenatal nutrition to the people and things around us
Behavior genetics
The study if the relative power and limits of genetic and environmental influences on behavior
Chromosomes
Threadlike structures made of DNA molecules that contain genes
DNA
Deoxyribonucleic acid
A complex molecule containing the genetic information that makes up chromosomes
Genes
The biochemical units of heredity that make up the chromosomes; a segment of DNA capable is synthesizing a protein
Genome
The complete instructions for making an organism, consisting of all genetic material in that organisms chromosomes
Identical twins
Twins who develop from a single fertilized egg that splits in two, creating two genetically identical organisms
Fraternal twins
Twins who develop from separate fertilized eggs. They are genetically no closer than brothers and sisters but share a fetal environment
Temperament
A persons characteristic emotional reactivity and intensity
Heritability
The proportion of variation amount individuals that we can attribute to genes. The heritability of a trait may vary, depending on the range of populations and environments studied
Interaction
The interplay that occurs when the effect of one factor (such as environment) depends on another factor (such as heredity)
Molecular genetics
The sub field of biology that studies molecular structure and function of genes
Evolutionary psychology
The study of the evolution of behavior and the mind, using principles of natural selection.
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.
Mutation
A random error in gene replication that leads to a change
Gender
In psychology, the biologically and socially influenced characteristics by which people define male and female
Culture
The enduring behaviors, ideas, attitudes, values, and transitions shared by a group of people and transmitted from one generation to the next.
Norm
An understood rule for accepted behavior. Norms prescribe “proper” behavior.
Personal space
The buffer zone we like to maintain around our bodies
Individualism
Giving priority to ones own goals over group goals and defining ones identity in terms of personal attributes rather than group identifications
Collectivism
Giving priority to goals of ones group (often ones extended family or work group) and defining ones identity accordingly
Aggression
Physical or verbal behavior intended to hurt someone
X chromosome
The sex chromosome found in both men and women. Females have two X chromosomes; males have one. An X chromosome from each parent produces a female child.
Y chromosome
The sex chromosome found only in males. When paired with an X chromosome from the mother, it produces a male child.
Testosterone
The most important of the male sex hormones. Both makes and females have it, but the additional testosterone in males stimulates the growth of the male sex organs in the fetus and the development of the male sex characteristics during puberty.
Role
A set of expectations (norms) about a social position, defining how those in the position ought to behave.
Gender role
A set of expected behaviors for males or females
Gender identity
Our sense of being male or female
Gender typing
The a acquisition of a traditional masculine it feminine role
Social learning theory
The theory that we learn social behavior by observing and imitating and by being rewarded or punished
