Chapter 4 Vocab

Question 1

behavior genetics

Answer 1

the study of the relative power and limits of genetic and environmental influences on behavior

Question 2

chromosomes

Answer 2

threadlike structures made of DNA molecules that contain the genes

Question 3

DNA (deoxyribonucleic acid)

Answer 3

a complex molecule containing the genetic information that makes up the chromosomes

Question 4

genes

Answer 4

the biochemical units of heredity that make up the chromosomes; segments of DNA capable of synthesizing proteins

Question 5

temperament

Answer 5

a person’s characteristic emotional reactivity and intensity

Question 6

heritability

Answer 6

the proportion of variation among individuals that we can attribute to genes. The heritability of a trait may vary, depending on the range of populations and environments studied

Question 7

molecular genetics

Answer 7

the subfield of biology that studies the molecular structure and function of genes

Question 8

genome

Answer 8

the complete instructions for making an organism, consisting of all the genetic material in that organism’s chromosomes

Question 9

fraternal twins (dizygotic twins)

Answer 9

develop from separate fertilized eggs. They are genetically no closer than ordinary brothers and sisters, but they share a prenatal environment

Question 10

identical twins (monozygotic twins)

Answer 10

develop from a single fertilized egg that splits in two, creating two genetically identical organisms.

Question 11

epigenetics

Answer 11

the study of environmental influences on gene expression that occur without a DNA change

Question 12

molecular behavior genetics

Answer 12

the study of how the structure and function of genes interact with our environment to influence behavior.

Question 13

environment

Answer 13

every nongenetic influence, from prenatal nutrition to the people and things around us

Question 14

evolutionary psychology

Answer 14

the study of the evolution of behavior and the mind, using principles of natural selection

Question 15

natural selection

Answer 15

the principle that, among the range of inherited trait variations, those contributing to reproduction and survival will most likely be passed on to succeeding generations

Question 16

mutation

Answer 16

a random error in gene replication that leads to a change

Question 17

social script

Answer 17

culturally modeled guide for how to act in various situations

Question 18

interaction

Answer 18

the interplay that occurs when the effect of one factor (such as environment) depends on another factor (such as heredity)

Question 19

culture

Answer 19

the enduring behaviors, ideas, attitudes, values, and traditions shared by a group of people and transmitted from one generation to the next

Question 20

norm

Answer 20

an understood rule for accepted and expected behavior. Norms prescribe “proper” behavior.

Question 21

individualism.

Answer 21

giving priority to one’s own goals over group goals and defining one’s identity in terms of personal attributes rather than group identifications

Question 22

collectivism

Answer 22

giving priority to the goals of one’s group (often one’s extended family or work group) and defining one’s identity accordingly.

Question 23

sex

Answer 23

in psychology, the biologically influenced characteristics by which people define males and females.

Question 24

gender

Answer 24

in psychology, the socially influenced characteristics by which people define men and women.

Question 25

aggression

Answer 25

any physical or verbal behavior intended to harm someone physically or emotionally

Question 26

relational aggression

Answer 26

an act of aggression (physical or verbal) intended to harm a person’s relationship or social standing.

Question 27

X chromosome

Answer 27

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.

Question 28

Y chromosome

Answer 28

the sex chromosome found only in males. When paired with an X chromosome from the mother, it produces a male child.

Question 29

testosterone

Answer 29

the most important of the male sex hormones. Both males and females have it, but the additional testosterone in males stimulates the growth of the male sex organs during the fetal period, and the development of the male sex characteristics during puberty.

Question 30

puberty

Answer 30

the period of sexual maturation, when a person becomes capable of reproducing.

Question 31

primary sex characteristics

Answer 31

the body structures (ovaries, testes, and external genitalia) that make sexual reproduction possible.

Question 32

secondary sex characteristics

Answer 32

nonreproductive sexual traits, such as female breasts and hips, male voice quality, and body hair.

Question 33

spermarche

Answer 33

first ejaculation.

Question 34

menarche

Answer 34

the first menstrual period.

Question 35

disorder of sexual development

Answer 35

an inherited condition that involves unusual development of sex chromosomes and anatomy.

Question 36

role

Answer 36

a set of expectations (norms) about a social position, defining how those in the position ought to behave.

Question 37

gender role

Answer 37

a set of expected behaviors, attitudes, and traits for males or for females.

Question 38

gender identity

Answer 38

our sense of being male, female, or a combination of the two

Question 39

social learning theory

Answer 39

the theory that we learn social behavior by observing and imitating and by being rewarded or punished

Question 40

gender typing

Answer 40

the acquisition of a traditional masculine or feminine role.

Question 41

androgyny

Answer 41

displaying both traditional masculine and feminine psychological characteristics.

Question 42

transgender

Answer 42

an umbrella term describing people whose gender identity or expression differs from that associated with their birth sex.