UNIT 1 aos 2 - nature-nurture influences

Question 1

define genes

Answer 1

the basic unit of genetic material located on the chromosomes

Question 2

define recessive

Answer 2

describes a gene whose characteristics will only be displayed if the paired gene is also recessive (not dominant)

Question 3

define dominant

Answer 3

the gene that displays its characteristics rather than its paired (recessive) gene.

Question 4

define interactionist approach

Answer 4

the assumption that hereditary and environmental factors interact to influence developmental change.

Question 5

define nature

Answer 5

effect of genetic and inherited factors on the behaviour of individuals

Question 6

define nurture

Answer 6

effect of environmental factors on the behaviour of individuals

Question 7

what is the importance of twin studies

Answer 7

twin studies are used to determine if nature or nurture has a greater influence on development. this is because some twins are separated at birth, therefore we can blame similarities in characteristics, such as intelligence, on biological factors, so nature.

Question 8

what is the importance of adoption studies

Answer 8

adoption studies are used to determine the effect of nurture on development. it involves children who were adopted and therefore have no genetic similarity to their adoptive parents.