Modules 10-12 (lecture 4)

Question 1

Behavior Genetics

Answer 1

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

Question 2

Heredity

Answer 2

The genetic transfer of characteristics from parents to offsprings

Question 3

Environment

Answer 3

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

Question 4

Chromosomes

Answer 4

Threadlike structures made of DNA molecules that contain the genes.

Question 5

DNA (deoxyribonucleic acid)

Answer 5

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

Question 6

Genes

Answer 6

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

Question 7

Genome

Answer 7

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

Question 8

Identical (monozygotic) Twins

Answer 8

Individuals who developed from a single fertilized egg that split in two, creating two genetically identical organisms.

Question 9

Fraternal (dizygotic) Twins

Answer 9

Individuals who developed from separate fertilized eggs. they are genetically no closer than ordinary siblings, but shared a prenatal environment.

Question 10

Temperament

Answer 10

A person’s characteristic emotional reactivity and intensity.

Question 11

Heritability

Answer 11

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

Question 12

Interaction

Answer 12

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

Question 13

Molecular Genetics

Answer 13

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

Question 14

Molecular Behavior Genetics

Answer 14

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

Question 15

Epigenetics

Answer 15

“above” or “in addition to” (epi) genetics; the study of the molecular mechanisms by which environments can influence genetic expression (without a DNA change)

Question 16

Evolutionary Psychology

Answer 16

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

Question 17

Natural Selection

Answer 17

The principle that inherited traits that better enable an organism to survive and reproduce in a particular environment will (in competition with other trait variations) most likely be passed on to succeeding generations

Question 18

Mutation

Answer 18

A random error in gene replication that leads to a change

Question 19

Social Script

Answer 19

A culturally modeled guide for how to act in various situations

Question 20

Culture

Answer 20

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

Question 21

Norm

Answer 21

Understood rules for accepted behavior. Norms prescribe “proper” behavior.

Question 22

Individualism

Answer 22

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

Question 23

Collectivism

Answer 23

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

Question 24

Sex

Answer 24

In psychology, the biologically influenced characteristics by which people define male, female, and intersex

Question 25

Gender

Answer 25

In psychology, the behavioral characteristics that people associate with boy, girl, man, and women

Question 26

Intersex

Answer 26

Possessing male and female biological sexual characteristics at birth

Question 27

Aggression

Answer 27

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

Question 28

Relational Aggression

Answer 28

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

Question 29

X Chromosome

Answer 29

The sex chromosome found in males and females. Females typically have two X chromosomes; males typically have one. An X chromosome from each parent produces a female child.

Question 30

Y Chromosome

Answer 30

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

Question 31

Testosterone

Answer 31

The most important male sex hormone. 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 32

Estrogens

Answer 32

Sex hormones, such as estradiol, that contribute to female sex characteristics and are secreted in greater amounts by females than by males.

Question 33

Puberty

Answer 33

The period of sexual maturation, during which a person usually becomes capable of reproducing.

Question 34

Primary Sex Characteristics

Answer 34

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

Question 35

Secondary Sex Characteristics

Answer 35

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

Question 36

Supermarche

Answer 36

The first ejaculation

Question 37

Menarche

Answer 37

First menstrual period

Question 38

Role

Answer 38

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

Question 39

Gender Role

Answer 39

A set of expected behaviors, attitudes and traits for men and women

Question 40

Sexual Aggression

Answer 40

Any physical or verbal behavior of a sexual nature that is unwanted or intended to harm someone physically or emotionally. Can be expressed as either “sexual harassment” ot “sexual assault”

Question 41

Gender Identity

Answer 41

Our sense of being male, female, neither, or some combination of male and female.

Question 42

Social Learning Theory

Answer 42

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

Question 43

Gender Typing

Answer 43

The acquisition of a traditional masculine or feminine role.

Question 44

Androgyny

Answer 44

Displaying both traditionally masculine and traditionally feminine psychological characteristics.

Question 45

Transgender

Answer 45

An umbrella term describing people whose gender identity or expression differs from that associated with their birth-assigned sex

Question 46

Linkage Analysis

Answer 46

A group of statistical methods to examine the inheritance pattern of DNA

Question 47

Gene Expression

Answer 47

The process of how cells convert DNA instructions into functional products like, proteins.

Question 48

Phenylketonuria

Answer 48

An inherited disorder that increases the levels of a substance called phenylalanine in the blood; can cause intellectual disabilities

Question 49

Down’s syndrome

Answer 49

A condition in which a person has an extra copy of chromosome 21; causes increased risk for heart defects and digestive problems, as well as intellectual disabilities

Question 50

Rosenzweig et all study

Answer 50

Animal research on neuroplasticity. Specifically the effects of the environment on brain growth and development.

Question 51

Parents vs. Peers influence

Answer 51

Peers tend to have more influence over parents on an individuals life.