Nature, Nurture, & Human Diversity (Modules 10 and 12)

Question 1

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

Answer 1

Behavioral Geneticists

Question 2

The genetic transfer of characteristics from parents to offspring

Answer 2

Heredity

Question 3

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

Answer 3

Environment

Question 4

Threadlike structures made of DNA molecules that contain the genes

Answer 4

Chromosome

Question 5

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

Answer 5

DNA (deoxyribonucleic acid)

Question 6

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

Answer 6

Genes

Question 7

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

Answer 7

Genome

Question 8

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

Answer 8

Identical (monozygotic) Twins

Question 9

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

Answer 9

Fraternal (dizygotic) Twins

Question 10

A person’s characteristic emotional reactivity and intensity

Answer 10

Temperament

Question 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 environments studied

Answer 11

Heritability

Question 12

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

Answer 12

Interact

Question 13

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

Answer 13

Molecular Genetics

Question 14

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

Answer 14

Molecular Behavior Genetics

Question 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)

Answer 15

Epigenetics

Question 16

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

Answer 16

Culture

Question 17

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

Answer 17

Norms

Question 18

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 18

Individualist

Question 19

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

Answer 19

Collectivist

Question 20

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

Answer 20

Sex

Question 21

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

Answer 21

Gender

Question 22

Possessing male and female biological sexual characteristics at birth

Answer 22

Intersex

Question 23

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

Answer 23

Aggression

Question 24

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 24

X Chromosome

Question 25

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

Answer 25

Y Chromosome

Question 26

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 26

Testosterone

Question 27

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

Answer 27

Estrogens

Question 28

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

Answer 28

Puberty

Question 29

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

Answer 29

Primary Sex Characteristics

Question 30

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

Answer 30

Secondary Sex Characteristics

Question 31

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

Answer 31

Role

Question 32

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

Answer 32

Gender Roles

Question 33

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

Answer 33

Gender Identity

Question 34

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

Answer 34

Social Learning Theory

Question 35

The acquisition of a traditional masculine or feminine role

Answer 35

Gender Typing

Question 36

Displaying both traditionally masculine and traditionally feminine psychological characteristics

Answer 36

Androgyny

Question 37

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

Answer 37

Transgender