Chapter 4 Nature, Nurture, and Human Diversity recall Flashcards
behavior genetics
the study of relative power and limits of genetic and environmental influences on behavior.
environment
every non-genetic influence from prenatal nutrition to the people and things thing around us.
chromosomes
threadlike structures made of DNA molecules that contain the genes.
DNA
deoxyribonucleic acid
deoxyribonucleic acid
a complex molecule containing the genetic information that makes up the chromosomes
genes
the biochemical units of heredity that make up the chromosomes; a segment of DNA capable of synthesizing a protein
genome
the complete instructions for making an organism, consisting of all the genetic material in that organism’s chromosomes.
identical twins
twins who develop from a single fertilized egg that splits into two, creating two genetically identical organisms.
monozygotic egg
single fertilized egg.
fraternal twins
twins who develop from separate fertilized eggs, they are genetically no closer than brothers and sisters, but they share a fetal environment.
dizygotic eggs
separate fertilized eggs.
temperament
a person’s characteristic emotional reactivity and intensity.
molecular genetics
the subfield of biology that studies the molecular structure and function of genes.
heritability
the proportion of variation among individuals that we can attribute to genes. The heritability of a trait may vary, depending on the range of population and environments studied.
interaction
the interplay that occurs when the effect of one factor (such as environment) depends on another factor (such as heredity).
epigenetics
the study of influences of gene expression that occur without a DNA change.
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.
gender
in psychology, the biologically and socially influenced characteristics by which people define male and female.
culture
the enduring behaviors, ideas, attitudes, values, and traditions shared by a group of people and transmitted from one generation to the next.
norm
an understood rule for accepted and expected behavior. Norms prescribe “proper” behavior.
individualism
giving priority to one’s own goals over group goals and defining ones’ identity in terms of personal attributes rather than group identifications.
collectivism
giving priority to the goals of one’s group (often one’s extended family or work group) and defining one’s 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 males and females have it, but the additional testosterone in males stimulates the growth of 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 for females.
Social learning theory
the theory that we learn social behavior by observing and imitating and by being rewarded or punished.
Gender identity
our sense of being male or female.
Gender typing
the acquisition of a traditional masculine or feminine role.
transgender
the umbrella term describing people whose gender identity or expression differs from that associated with their birth sex.
