Unit 1A Sec 1- Understanding Heredity, Environments, and Genetic Research

Question 1

Evolutionary Perspective

Answer 1

the study of how psychological traits and behaviors have evolved over time to enhance survival and reproductive success
- attempt to understand universal human behaviors +mental processed through lens of evolutionary principles

Question 2

Natural Selection

Answer 2

the process by which organisms w/ traits that are better suited to their environment are more likely to survive and reproduce passing on those advantageous traits to future generations
- explains how psychological traits + behaviors have evolved over time in response to environmental pressures

Answer 3

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Question 4

Nature “Genes”

Answer 4

inherent biological and genetic factors that influence an individual’s psychological dev, traits, behaviors and cognitive abilities

Question 5

Nature “Genes” Examples:

Answer 5

• traits inherited from parents(eye color)
• how brain is structured
• natural temperament (shy, outgoing)
• our smartness level
• chances of having certain mental health conditions
• basic instincts we are born with (like crying when hungry)
• genetic disorders that affect our behavior or thinking

Question 6

Nurture “Environment”

Answer 6

the environmental influences and experiences that shape an individual’s psychological development, behaviors and cognitive processes

Question 7

Nurture “Environment” Examples

Answer 7

• early childhood experiences
• parenting styles and methods
• social relationships (friendships)
• surrounding culture (cultural norms, societal expectations)
• educational opportunities + experiences
• socioeconomic status + access to resources
• exposure to media + tech
• life events + significant experiences

Question 8

Twin studies

Answer 8

looks at similarities + differences between identical (monozygotic) and fraternal (dizygotic) twin to see relative influence of genetics and environment on traits and behaviors.

Question 9

Adoption studies

Answer 9

investigates similarities between adopted children and their biological + adoptive families to see the impact of genetics vs environment on various traits and behaviors.

Question 10

Family studies

Answer 10

analyzes similarities + differences among family members, (parents + siblings) to understand the interplay of genetics and environment in shaping traits + behaviors within a family unit.

Question 11

Heredity

Answer 11

transmission of genetic info from biological parents to offspring
- helps us figure out how much of our traits come from our genes and how much comes from our environment

Question 12

Genetic predisposition

Answer 12

inherited likelihood of developing specific traits- conditions due to genetic factors from biological parents

Question 13

Genetic predisposition examples

Answer 13

anxiety disorders, depression, intelilgence

Question 14

Eugenics

Answer 14

the belief in improving the genetic quality of a human population by controlling reproduction to increase desirable traits and decrease undesirable ones

• concept associated w/ discriminatory practices including forced sterilization +selective breeding cause of racial superiority and genetic determinism