Nature and Nurture Flashcards
Can epigenetics affect our genes
Yet. EPIGENETICS markers can be attached to DNA to change its expression, and can be passed down. There are some mechanisms where this can be possible. The way the DNA gets expressed depends on the epigenetic markers which can be passed down generations.
Transgenerational epigenetic inheritance: EXPERIMENT: We can change the way brains of mice differ on experiences from their father down to them. Even though the father was not present with them.
What are the three principles for Nature
EVOLUTION has shaped genes that control the physical development of the brain and determine cognitive processes. Our cognitive processes are shaped by evolutionary pressure by the brain. Throughout evol this has resulted in selection of the type of genes that shapes the way our brain grows. (like specific Modules
Cognitive processes shared across humans are caused by shared genes.Genetic code is common among humans.
Cognitive processes that vary across humans are caused by various genes. We have different kinds of biological programming that causes our cognitive processes to differ.
What are the three cases for nurture
Our cognitive processes are learned from the world around us, based on what we observe or are taught. Our cognitive processes are something we learn from our environment. Something we learn from trial and error.
Cognitive processes shared across humans are caused by shared experiences. We spend time together in social interactions and shared features and those drive cognitive similarities.
Cognitive processes that vary across humans are caused by varying experiences. If we are exposed to different social norms or have access to different resources this will cause changes to our strategies.
What is heritiability?
HERITABILITY (measure of how well differences in people’s genes account for differences in their traits)
As you get older, the impact of your genes should matter less. As you get older, you have more opportunities to get more practice and more education. HOWEVER
HOWEVER the opposite was true and this is known as the Wilson effect. As we get older we actually see more heritability of the gene factor.
The impact of genes doesn’t wash out; it gets more important as you get older. Your genes are more stable than your environment. THIS IS THE WILSON EFFECT
There’ so many influences that go into these cognitive traits or personality traits and bind together in a complicated way.
What is the nature versus nurture case for the fusform face area
The FFA is encoded in our DNA and develops on its own regardless of experience.
Nurture
We all grow up in an environment in which other faces are very important, and this is just a “good” place to build a face module. This is something that we learn to need to do. It doesn’t develop over time; it requires you to look at faces and gain experience. And the reason it’s in the same spot they feel it’s just a good spot to build.
