Nature, Nurture, & Human Diversity (Modules 10 and 12) Flashcards
The study of the relative power and limits of genetic and environmental influences on behavior
Behavioral Geneticists
The genetic transfer of characteristics from parents to offspring
Heredity
Every nongenetic influence, from prenatal nutrition to the people and things around us
Environment
Threadlike structures made of DNA molecules that contain the genes
Chromosome
A complex molecule containing the genetic information that makes up the chromosomes
DNA (deoxyribonucleic acid)
The biochemical units of heredity that make up the chromosomes; small segments of DNA capable of synthesizing proteins
Genes
The complete instructions for making an organism, consisting of all the genetic material in that organism’s chromosomes
Genome
Individuals who developed from a single fertilized egg that split in two, creating two genetically identical organisms
Identical (monozygotic) Twins
Individuals who developed from separate fertilized eggs. They are genetically no closer than ordinary siblings, but shared a prenatal environment
Fraternal (dizygotic) Twins
A person’s characteristic emotional reactivity and intensity
Temperament
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
Heritability
The interplay that occurs when the effect of one factor (such as environment) depends on another factor (such as heredity)
Interact
The subfield of biology that studies the molecular structure and function of genes
Molecular Genetics
The study of how the structure and function of genes interact with our environment to influence behavior
Molecular Behavior Genetics
“Above” or “in addition to” (epi) genetics; the study of the molecular mechanisms by which environments can influence genetic expression (without a DNA change)
Epigenetics
The enduring behaviors, ideas, attitudes, values, and traditions shared by a group of people and transmitted from one generation to the next
Culture
Understood rules for accepted and expected behavior. Norms prescribe “proper” behavior
Norms
Giving priority to one’s own goals over group goals and defining one’s identity in terms of personal attributes rather than group identifications
Individualist
Giving priority to the goals of one’s group (often one’s extended family or work group) and defining one’s identity accordingly
Collectivist
In psychology, the biologically influenced characteristics by which people define male, female, and intersex
Sex
In psychology, the biologically influenced characteristics by which people define male, female, and intersex
Gender
Possessing male and female biological sexual characteristics at birth
Intersex
Any physical or verbal behavior intended to harm someone physically or emotionally
Aggression
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
X Chromosome
The sex chromosome typically found only in males. When paired with an X chromosome from the mother, it produces a male child
Y Chromosome
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
Testosterone
Sex hormones, such as estradiol, that contribute to female sex characteristics and are secreted in greater amounts by females than by males
Estrogens
The period of sexual maturation, during which a person usually becomes capable of reproducing
Puberty
The body structures (ovaries, testes, and external genitalia) that make sexual reproduction possible
Primary Sex Characteristics
Nonreproductive sexual traits, such as female breasts and hips, male voice quality, and body hair
Secondary Sex Characteristics
A set of expectations (norms) about a social position, defining how those in the position ought to behave
Role
A set of expected behaviors, attitudes, and traits for men and for women
Gender Roles
Our sense of being male, female, neither, or some combination of male and female
Gender Identity
The theory that we learn social behavior by observing and imitating and by being rewarded or punished
Social Learning Theory
The acquisition of a traditional masculine or feminine role
Gender Typing
Displaying both traditionally masculine and traditionally feminine psychological characteristics
Androgyny
An umbrella term describing people whose gender identity or expression differs from that associated with their birth-assigned sex
Transgender
