Individual Differences Flashcards
What did Steyn propose?
Employees deliver a service to an organisation, and, to optimise the relationship between employers and employees, individual behavioural differences should be understood. Employees cannot all be handled in the same manner without taking into consideration the influences on their behaviour. Organisations need to understand human behaviour so both the organisation and the employee can be productive.
Why is it important to know knowledge about individual differences and how they influence work performance?
It is extremely important for maximum results and productivity in the workplace. Individual differences are the unique characteristics and traits, which distinguish us from others. Influence work performance. To optimize employer-employee relationships, understanding individual behavioral differences is essential.
How does the merging of reproductive cells result in a unique individual?
Human beings consists of cells which is when the reproductive cells of a man and woman merge which leads to the birth of a unique individual. From the moment we are born, we are subject to environmental influences which plays an important role in the development of an individual.
What is prenatal?
Prenatal refers to the period or events occurring before birth, during pregnancy.
What is postnatal?
Postnatal refers to the period or events occurring after birth, especially relating to the care of the newborn and the mother.
What is a genotype?
The total genetic composition of a person that is determined by the genetic blueprint which is received by the parents.
What is phenotype?
The observable characteristics of a person which is determined by the interaction between the genotype and prenatal as well as postnatal environmental influences. An example of a genotype is BB.
What are genes?
Genes, which are arranged on the chromosome like beads on a necklace, are the actual carriers of genetic information
How does the DNA genotype of a zygote interact with environmental influences to form a phenotype?
The DNA molecule is the carrier of genetic information. The DNA blueprint of a fertilised ovum (also called zygote) is called the genotype. Once it interacts with the environmental influences, it results in the phenotype
How does mitosis ensure that all new cells contain hereditary material and differentiate into specialized cells?
Through the process of mitosis or cell division, the zygote develops from the prenatal stage to a unique mature individual. The DNA blueprint is carried from cell to cell during the development and, in this manner, all new cells contain the hereditary material of both parents. The body cells that are formed in this way differentiate through specialised processes into skin, bone, muscle, nerve and blood cells, each with a particular function
What are direct influences?
In genetics, direct influences refer to traits or characteristics that are directly determined by genetic factors without intermediary processes. For example, eye color or blood type are directly influenced by specific genes inherited from parents.
What are indirect influences?
Indirect influences refer to factors that affect traits not through direct genetic expression but through interactions with the environment or other external conditions. For instance, environmental factors like diet and exercise can affect physical traits by modifying how genetic potential is expressed or realized.
How do researchers distinguish between the effects of heredity and environment in studies of identical versus non-identical twins?
Identical Twins and Triplets: Any observable differences in traits between identical twins or triplets are attributed primarily to environmental factors. This is because identical twins or triplets share the same genetic makeup, so differences are likely due to varying environmental influences.
Non-Identical Twins: For non-identical (fraternal) twins, differences in traits are viewed as the result of a combination of both genetic and environmental factors. Non-identical twins share about 50% of their genes, so differences are analyzed in terms of both hereditary and environmental influences.
What are the two approaches made by Jordaan and Jordaan?
Geneticists believe that a person’s development is entirely determined by their genetic makeup, with no influence from environmental factors.
Believe a person’s development is entirely shaped by their environment, rather than genetics.
What did McCormick and Tiffin propose?
Heredity’s Role: Genetic factors are crucial in determining basic physical traits like height, weight, and strength. The impact of the environment on these traits is less clear.
Environmental Influence: While genetics set the potential for traits such as personality and interests, environmental factors play a significant role in shaping these aspects.
Intellectual Ability: Genetics influence an individual’s potential for intellectual ability, but environmental factors are key in developing and achieving that potential.
