chpt4 Flashcards
Behavior genetics
the study of relative power and limits of genetic and environmental influences on behavior
environment
every nongenetic influence, from prenatal nutrition to the people and things around us
chromosome
threadlike structures made of DNA molecules that contain the genes; we have 46 chromosomes, 23 from each parent
DNA
a complex molecule containing the genetic information that makes up the chromosomes
genes
the biochemical units of heredity 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 organism’s chromosomes
identical twins
develop from a single fertilized egg that splits in two, creating two genetically identical organisms
fraternal twins
develop from separate fertilized eggs. They are genetically no closer than ordinary brothers and sisters, but they share a prenatal environment
temperament
a person’s true characteristics, emotional reactivity, and intensity.
heritability
the proportion of variation among individuals that we can attribute to genes. How easily a trait can be passed on. The heritability of a trait may vary, depending on the range of populations and environments studied
molecular genetics
the subfield of biology that studies the molecular structure and function of genes
molecular behavior genetics
the study of how the structure and function of genes interact with our environment to influence behavior
epigenetics
the study of environmental influences on gene expression that occur without a DNA change
evolutionary psychology
the study of evolution of behavior and the mind, using principles of natural selection
natural selection
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
mutations
a random error in gene replication that leads to change
social script
cultural modeled guide for how to act in various situation
interactions
the interplay that occurs when the effect of one factor(such as environment) depends on another factor(such as heredity)
culture: the enduring behaviors, ideas, attitudes, values, and traditions shared by a group of people and transmitted from one generation to the next
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” human behavior
individualism
: a giving priority to one’s own goals over group goals and defining one’s identity in terms of personal attributes rather than group identifications
individualism is valued in most areas of North America, Wester Europe, Australia, and New Zealand.
collectivism
a giving priority to the goals of one’s group(often one’s extended family or work group) and defining one’s identity accordingly
gender
in psychology, the socially influenced characteristics by which people define men and women
sex
in psychology, the biologically influenced characteristics by which people define males and females
aggression
any verbal or physical behavior intended to harm someone physically or emotionally
relational aggression
an act of aggression(physical or verbal) intended to harm a person’s relationship or social standing
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 stimulated the growth of male sex organs during the fetal period and the later development of the male sex characteristics during puberty
puberty
the period of sexual maturation, when a person becomes capable of reproducing
primary sex chracterisitics
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
males first ejaculation
menarche
females first menstral period
role
a set of expectations(norms) about a social position, defining how those in position ought to behave
gender role
a set of expected behaviors, attitudes, and traits for males or for females
gender typing
the acquisition of a traditional masculine or feminine role
transgender
an umbrella term describing people who gender identity or expression differs from that associated with their birth sex
social learning theory
the theory that we learn social behavior by observing and imitating and by being rewarded or punished
