Genetic Influences on Personality

Question 1

What is the longest running argument in philosophy and science today?

Answer 1

nature vs. nurture

Question 2

In the nature vs. nurture argument, who held the position of nature, stating, “in life, the chief determining factor is heredity”?

Answer 2

Edward L. Thorndike

Question 3

In the nature vs. nurture argument, who argued, “experience can write a message on any blank slate of human nature”?

Answer 3

John B. Watson

Question 4

Define: Genes

Answer 4

Basic units of heredity, made up of DNA

Question 5

98.8% of our DNA (noncoding) is where?

Answer 5

Outside the genes

Question 6

What does Noncoding DNA affect?

Answer 6

It affects the expression (activity) of key genes

Question 7

Do genes provide a static blueprint for development?

Answer 7

No, a changing network of interlinked influences affect us throughout life.

Question 8

What are 3 ways researchers can measure gene contribution in personality?

Answer 8

• studying personality traits in other species
• studying temperaments of infants and children
• doing heritability tests of twins and adopted people

Question 9

Who found evidence of “The Big Five” factors in 64 different species?

Answer 9

Samuel D. Gosling

Question 10

Define: Temperaments

Answer 10

Genetically determined dispositions to respond to the environment in certain ways.

Question 11

What are 3 examples of temperaments babies are born with?

Answer 11

• Reactivity (excitable or responsive)
• Soothability (how easily calmed)
• Positive and negative emotionality

Question 12

What are some physiological effects of highly reactive temperaments?

Answer 12

• increased heart rate
• heightened brain activity
• higher levels of stress hormones in stressful situations

Question 13

Define: Heritability

Answer 13

Heritability finds out the extent of variation of a trait that is due to genetic differences

Question 14

Heritablility is central within what field?

Answer 14

Behavioral Genetics

Question 15

Can heritability tell you the impact of genetics of a trait for one individual?

Answer 15

No, heritability can only tell you the impact of genetics of a trait within a group.

Question 16

Why is it not best to test heritability within families?

Answer 16

Because they share similarities through their environment, and genes already, making it even more difficult to separate genetic traits.

Question 17

What is a benefit of studying heritability in adopted children?

Answer 17

Adopted children do not have the same genes as their parents, but they do share the same environment. Researchers can compare traits of the adopted child’s birth relatives as well as their adopted relatives.

Question 18

What is a benefit of studying heritability in same sex identical and fraternal twins?

Answer 18

If traits of identical twins are more alike than fraternal, then it must be due to genetic influences.

Question 19

What is the heritability of traits from “The Big Five” model?

Answer 19

.20-.50, which means up to 50% of variation in those traits is due to genetic differences.

Question 20

Are genetic dispositions inevitable?

Answer 20

No, a predisposition needs certain environmental factors in order to develop predisposed traits.