Chapter 4: Nature vs. Nurture Flashcards
Environment
Every non genetic influence from prenatal nutrition to the people and things around us
Chromosomes
Threadlike structures made of DNA molecules that contain the genes
DNA
Deoxyribonucleic acid- a complex molecule containing the genetic info that makes up the chromosomes
Genes
Biochemical units of heredity that make up the chromosomes: a segment of DNA capable of synthesizing a protein
Human Genome
Complete instructions for making an organism consisting of all the genetic material in that organisms chromosomes
Identical Twins
Twins who develop from a single fertilized egg that splits in two creating 2 genetically identical organisms
Fraternal Twins
Twins who develop from separate fertilized eggs. They are genetically no closer than brothers and sisters, but they share a fetal environment
Temperment
A person’’s characteristic emotional reactivity and intensity
Molecular Genetics
The sub field of biology that studies the molecular structure and function of genes
Heritability
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
Epigenetics
Study of influences on gene expression that occur with out a DNA change
Evolutionary Psychology
Study of the evolution of behavior and the mind, using principles of natural selection
Natural Selection
Principle that among a range of inherited trait variations, those that lead to increased survival and reproduction will most likely be passed on the succeeding generations
Mutations
A random error in gene replication that leads to a change
Gender
Biologically and socially influenced characteristics by which people define male and female
Culture
Enduring behaviors, ideas, attitudes, values, traditions, shared by a group… transmitted from one generation to the next
Norms
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 one’s identity in terms of personal attributes rather than group identifications
Collectivism
Giving priority to the goals of on’es group (often one’s extended family or work group) and defining one’s identity according
Aggression
Physical or verbal behavior intended to hurt someone
X Chromosome
Sex chromosome found in both men and women
Y Chromosome
Sex chromosome found only in males
Testosterone
Most important of the male sex hormones. Both males and females have it but the additional testosterone in males stimulates growth
Role
Expectations about a social position
Gender Role
A set of expected behaviors for males or 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
Acquisition of a traditionally masculine or feminine role
Transgender
Umbrella term describing people whose gender identity differs from their birth sex
Behavior Geneticists
Study of relative power/limits of genetic and environment influences on behavior
Heredity
Genes passed down through generations
Nucleus
Where DNA is stored: The powerhouse of the cell
Gene Sequence
DNA sequence/determines the order of DNA to create proteins and thus traits
Jim Twins
Identical twins who, while raised separately, were extremely similar- same names and personality
Dizygotic
Two separate eggs get fertilized
Monozygotic
One egg that splits in two- genetic copy
Adoption
Process of a child being raised by non-biological partents
Genetic Relatives
People whom one is biologically related to (parents and siblings)
Environmental Relatives
People whom one is raised by but not biologically related to
Birth ORder
How one’s order in birth influences their personality and behaviors/treatment
Mark Twain’s Barrel Study
2 kids kept in a barrel and fed through a hole for 18 years- taken out and given an IQ test- if one is super smart then it proves that genes=intelligence (Shows heritability)
Sex
Gender determined by genetalia
Mating preferences
Traits different genders prefer in a mate (Men= young, fertile/ women= supportive, successful, good genes)
Male Answer Syndrome
Male tendency to answer wrongly/make something up rather than say they don’t know
Nature via Nurture
How our experiences add onto our genes in order to form us as people
Sex Hormones
Hormones that stimulate growth of reproductive system, and are released during sex
Estrogen
Main female sex hormone
Gender Identity Disorder
When a person does not associate themselves as the gender they were assigned at birth
