Vocabulary Flashcards
Chromosomes
Threadlike structures made up of DNA
Evolutionary Psychology
Emphasizes the importance of adaption, reproduction, & survival of the fittest in shaping behavior
DNA
A complex molecule with a double helix shape that contains genetic information
Genes
Units of hereditary information(short segments of DNA) that’s direct cells to reproduce themselves and to assemble protein
Zygote
A single cell formed through fertilization
Genotype
All of a person’s genetic material
Phenotype
Observable characteristics such as physical characteristics such as physical characteristics & psychological characteristics
Klinefelter syndrome
A chromosomal disorder in which males have an extra X chromosome (XXY)(undeveloped testes, enlarged breasts, tall)
Fragile X Syndrome
A genetic disorder involving an abnormality in the X chromosome, which becomes constricted & often breaks (mental deficiency)
Turner Syndrome
A chromosomal disorder in females in which either an X chromosome is missing (XO) or the second X chromosome is partially deleted
Phenylketonuria (PKU)
A genetic disorder in which an individual cannot properly metabolize an amino acid (results in mental retardation & hyperactivity if not treated)
Sickle-cell anemia
Genetic disorder that affects the red blood cells and occur most of ten in people with African descent
Twin Study
The behavioral and similarity of identical twins is compared with the behavioral similarity of fraternal twins
Adoption Study
Investigators seek to discover whether, in behavior and psychological characteristics, adopted children are more like their adoptive parents, who provide a home environment
XXY Syndrome
A chromosomal disorder in which males have an extra Y
Development
The pattern of movement or change that begins at conception and continues through the human life span
Life-Span Perspective
View development as lifelong, multidimensional, multidirectional, plastic, multidisciplinary, and contextual, and as a process that involves growth, maintenance, and regulation of loss
Nonnormative Life Events
Unusual occurrences that have a major impact on an individual’s life
Normative Age-graded Influences
Influences that are similar for individuals in a particular group
Culture
The behavior patterns, beliefs and all other products of a group that are passed on from generation to generation
Cross-cultural studies
Comparison of one culture with one or more other cultures. These provide information about the degree to which development is similar, or universal across cultures, and the degree to which it is culture-specific
Ethnicity
A characteristic based on cultural heritage, nationality characteristics, race, religion, and language
SES
The grouping of people with similar occupational, educational, and economic characteristics
Gender
The characteristics of people as males or females
Biological processes
Changes in an individual’s physical nature
Cognitive processes
Changes in an individual’s thought, intelligence, and language