Chapter 4 - Nature, Nurture And Human Diversity Flashcards
Behaviour genetics
The study of the relative power and limits of genetic and environmental influences on behaviour
Environment
Every nongenetic influence, from prenatal nutrition to the people and things around us
Chromosomes
Threadlike structures made of DNA molecules that contain the genes
DNA
A complex molecule containing the genetic info that makes up chromosomes and determines inherited characteristics
Genes
The biochemical United of hereditary that make up the chromosomes; segments of DNA capable of synthesizing proteins
Genome
The complete instructions for making an organism, consisting of all the genetic material in that organisms chromosome
Identical twins
Develop from a single fertilized egg that splits in two, creating two genetically identical organisms
Fraternal twins
Develop from separate fertilized eggs and by two sperm. They are genetically no closer than ordinary siblings but they share the same prenatal environment
Temperament
A persons characteristic emotional reactivity and intensity
Heritability
The proportion of variation among individuals that we can attribute to genes
Interaction
The effect of one factor (such as environment) depends on another factor (such as hereditary)
Molecular genetics
The sub field of biology that studies the molecular structure and function of genes
Evolutionary psychology
The study of the evolution of behaviour and the mind, using principles of natural selection
Molecular behaviour genetics
The study of how the structure and function of genes interact with our environment to influence behaviour
Epigenetics
The study of environmental influences on a gene expression that occur without a DNA change
Natural selection
A natural process resulting in the evolution of organisms best adapted to the environment
Mutation
An event that changes genetic structure. Usually a random error
Aggression
Any physical or verbal behaviour intended to harm someone physically or emotionally
Culture
The behaviours, ideas, attitudes, values, and traditions shared by a group of people and transmitted from one generation to the next.
Norm
An understood rule for the accepted and expected behaviour
Social script
Culturally modelled guide for how to act in various situations
Individualism
Giving priorities to ones own goals over group goals and defining ones identity in terms of personal attributes rather than group identification.
Collectivism
Giving priority to the goals of ones group (family or work group) and defining ones identity accordingly
Sex
In psychology, the biologically influenced characteristics by which people define males and females.
Gender
In psychology, the socially influenced characteristics by which people define men and women. The properties that distinguish organisms on the basis of their reproductive role
X chromosome
The sex chromosome found in both men and women. Women 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.
Relational aggression
An act of aggression (physical or verbal) intended to harm a persons relationship or social standing
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 during the fetal period, and the development of. The male sex characteristics during puberty
Puberty
The period of sexual maturation, when a person becomes capable of reproducing
Primary sex characteristics
The body structures (ovaries, testes, and external genitalia) that make sexual reproduction possible.
Secondary sex characteristics
Non reproductive sexual traits, such as female breasts and hips, male voice quality and body hair
Spermarche
First ejaculation
Menarche
The first menstrual period
Disorder of social development
An inherited condition that involves unusual development of sex chromosomes and anatomy
Role
The actions and activities assigned to or required of expected of a person or group
Gender role
A set of expected behaviours, attitudes and traits for males or for females
Gender identity
Our sense of being male, female or a combo of the two
Social learning theory
The theory that we learn social behaviour by observing and imitating and being rewarded or punished
Gender typing
The acquisition of a traditional masculine or feminine role
Androgyny
Displaying both traditional masculine and feminine psychological characteristics
Transgender
An umbrella term described by people whose gender identity or expression differs from that associated with their birth sex.
