Unit 2 - chapter 4 (nature/nurture/human diversity)

Question 1

genes

Answer 1

• genes can be turned on or off by the environmental influences
• they are the recipe for making proteins
• ironically, genes are what reveals our shared human nature while simultaneously making us diverse

Question 2

twin and adoption studies

Answer 2

-used to understand the influence nature (genetics) versus nurture (environment) has on us

Question 3

biological versus adoptive relatives

Answer 3

-adoption can be used as a real-life experiment
two groups:
1. genetic relatives
2. environmental relatives
-we can ask questions related to nature versus nurture
-the normal range of environments shared by a family’s children has little discernible impact on their personalities

Question 4

heredity

Answer 4

-scientists can calculate and estimate the heritability of a trait
(individual differences can be attributed to heredity)

-as environments become more similar, heritability becomes the main source of variability

Question 5

epigenetics

Answer 5

nature AND nurture

• genes can either be active or inactive
• epigenetics studies the mechanisms in which the environment can turn on or off genetic expression
• our genetic disposition is influences by our environment

Question 6

natural selection

Answer 6

Charles Darwin

generally:

• offspring compete
• variations increases chances of survival
• survival of the fittest
• population characteristic changes

Question 7

social scripts

Answer 7

• a cultural guide to how people should act and respond in certain situations
• social learning theory
• adjust and respond; adapt and survive

Question 8

culture and human diversity

Answer 8

culture and norms play a role in

1. raising children
2. developmental similarities

Question 9

individualist

Answer 9

prioritizing one’s goals and identity over the group

values:

• independence
• uniqueness
• personal achievement and fulfillment
• change reality to cope
• morality defined by oneself
• temporary and casual relationships
• behavior reflects one’s personality and attitudes

Question 10

collectivist

Answer 10

prioritizing the goals and identity of the group ahead of oneself

values:

• dependent on each other
• fit in and perform roles
• group goals, solidarity, and social responsibility
• adjust to reality to cope
• morality defined collectively
• few and close relationships
• behavior reflects societal norms and culture

Question 11

gender and sex

Answer 11

they are DIFFERENT

• sex is your biological status as determined by chromosomes (nature)
• gender is assigned and determined by a cultures expectations of what it means to be male or female based on biological traits (nurture)

variations in sex:
intersex - different combinations of male and female chromosomes, hormones, and anatomy

cultures shape our behaviors by setting expectations based on male or female

an important concept that is especially prevalent now more than ever:

• gender roles - societal expected behaviors, attitudes, and traits for males or females
• gender identity - our personal sense of being male, female, or some combination

Question 12

spermarche verses menarche

Answer 12

spermarche: first ejaculation; marker of puberty
menarche: first menstruation; marker of puberty