Nature, Nurture, and Human Diversity - Vocabulary

Question 1

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

Answer 1

Behavior Genetics

Question 2

The genetic transfer of characteristics from parents to offspring.

Answer 2

Heredity

Question 3

Threadlike structures made of DNA molecules that contain the
genes.

Answer 3

Chromosomes

Question 4

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

Answer 4

DNA

Question 5

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

Answer 5

Genes

Question 6

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

Answer 6

Genome

Question 7

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

Answer 7

Identical Twins

Question 8

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

Answer 8

Fraternal Twins (dizygotic)

Question 9

A person’s characteristic emotional reactivity and intensity

Answer 9

Temperament

Question 10

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 environments studied.

Answer 10

Heritability

Question 11

“Above” or “in addition to (episode) genetics; the study of the molecular mechanisms by which environments can influence gene expression (without a
DNA change).

Answer 11

Epigenetics

Question 12

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

Answer 12

Evolutionary Psychology

Question 13

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.

Answer 13

Natural Selection

Question 14

A culturally modeled guide for how to act in various situations.

Answer 14

Social Script

Question 15

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

Answer 15

Culture

Question 16

An understood rule for accepted and expected behavior. Norms prescribe “proper” behavior.

Answer 16

Norm

Question 17

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

Answer 17

Individualism

Question 18

Giving priority to the goals of one’s group (often one’s extended
family or work group) and defining one’s iden0ty accordingly.

Answer 18

Collectivism

Question 19

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

Answer 19

Sex

Question 20

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

Answer 20

Gender

Question 21

Possessing male and female biological sexual characteris0cs at birth

Answer 21

Intersex

Question 22

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.

Answer 22

X Chromosome

Question 23

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

Answer 23

Y Chromosome

Question 24

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.

Answer 24

Testosterone

Question 25

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

Answer 25

Estrogens

Question 26

The period of sexual maturation when a person becomes capable of
reproducing.

Answer 26

Puberty

Question 27

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

Answer 27

Primary Sex Characteristics

Question 28

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

Answer 28

Secondary Sex Characteristics

Question 29

The first ejaculation

Answer 29

Spermarche

Question 30

The first menstrual period

Answer 30

Menarche

Question 31

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

Answer 31

Gender Role

Question 32

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

Answer 32

Gender Identity

Question 33

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

Answer 33

Social Learning Theory

Question 34

The acquisition of a traditional masculine or feminine role.

Answer 34

Gender Typing

Question 35

Displaying both traditionally masculine and traditionally feminine psychological characteristics

Answer 35

Androgyny

Question 36

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

Answer 36

Transgender