Hereditary Influences on Development

Question 1

Behavioural Genetics

Answer 1

The study of gene influences on behaviour

Question 2

Heritability

Answer 2

The ammount of variablility in a trait at the population level that is due to hereditary factors

Question 3

Concordance rate (definition and what theyre viable for)

Answer 3

The rate at which CLEAR/NOMINAL TRAITS show up in both twins as opposed to one

Question 4

H and its calculation

Answer 4

H is the heritability coefficient, calculated by r1 (Mz twin coefficient) - r2 (Dz twin coefficient) x 2

Question 5

NSE’s and SE’s (definition and examples)

Answer 5

Nonshared environmental influences: ie peer groups

Shared Environmental influences: ie family values

Question 6

NSE calculation

Answer 6

NSE= 1`-r (Mz reared together)

Question 7

SE calculation

Answer 7

SE= 1- (H + NSE)

Question 8

Canalization Principle

Answer 8

Genes restrict development to a small range of outcomes (ie babbling, skin colour)

Question 9

Range-of-reaction principle

Answer 9

Genes set limits to the potential range of a trait, the final result is then determined by the environment

Question 10

What are the 3 types of interactions between heredity and the environment

Answer 10

1. Passive: child has little to no control of the interaction
2. Evocative: children evoke responses influenced by their heredity
3. Active: children seek out niches that fit with their genetic tendencies

Question 11

Results of the Dunedin study in NewZealand

Answer 11

MAOA gene in its weak/short form (30% of the pop.) plus childhood abuse/neglect results 85% of the time in chronically violent offenders.