Studied by 6 people
behavior genetics
the study of the relative power and limits of genetic and environmental influences on behavior
chromosomes
threadlike structures made of DNA molecules that contain the genes
DNA
a complex molecule containing the genetic information that makes up the chromosomes
genes
the biochemical units of heredity that make up the chromosomes; segments of DNA capable of synthesizing proteins
genome
the complete instructions for making an organism, consisting of all the genetic material in that organism's chromosomes
identical twins
a single fertilized egg that splits in two, creating two genetically identical organisms
fraternal twins
twins who develop from separate fertilized eggs. They are genetically no closer than brothers and sisters, but they share a prenatal environment
temperament
a person's characteristic emotional reactivity and intensity
heritability
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
interaction
the interplay that occurs when the effect of one factor (such as environment) depends on another factor (such as heredity)
molecular genetics
the subfield of biology that studies the molecular structure and function of genes
evolutionary psychology
the study of the evolution of behavior and the mind, using principles of natural selection
natural selection
the principle that inherited traits that better enable an organism to survive and reproduce in a particular environment will (in competition with other trait variations) most likely be passed on to succeeding generations
mutation
a random error in gene replication that leads to a change
personal space
the buffer zone we like to maintain around our bodies
aggression
any physical or verbal behavior intended to harm someone physically or emotionally
X chromosome
The sex chromosome found in both men and women. Females have two X chromosomes; males have one. An X chromosome from each parent produces a female child
Y chromosome
the sex chromosome found only in males. When paired with an X chromosome from the mother, it produces a male child
testosterone
the most important of the male sex hormones. Both 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
gender
in psychology, the socially influenced characteristics by which people define boy, girl, man, and woman
role
a set of expectations (norms) about a social position, defining how those in the position ought to behave
gender role
a set of expected behaviors, attitudes, and traits for males or for females
gender identity
our sense of being male, female, or some combination of the two
gender typing
the acquisition of a traditional masculine or feminine role
gender schema theory
the theory that children learn from their cultures a concept of what it means to be male and female and that they adjust their behavior accordingly
social learning theory
the theory that we learn social behavior by observing and imitating and by being rewarded or punished
gerontology
the scientific study of the physiological, pathological, and psychological phenomena associated with aging
heritability coefficient
estimates the extent to which the differences, or variation, in a specific characteristic within a group of people can be attributed to genetic factors
5 stages of coping with death & dying
Denial
Anger
Bargaining
Depression
Acceptance
researched by Elizabeth Kubler-Ross
memes
self-replicating ideas, fashions, and innovations passed from person to person; researched by richard dawkins
ontology
genes are not isolated units, but must be "triggered" into action by their interaction with the environment
the ratchet effect
based on the biological principle of emergent properties, cultural evolution requires faithful social transmission of knowledge that works as a ratchet to prevent slippage backwards
foreclosure
according to erikson, accepting everything that you have been taught without any critical thinking
moratorium
according to Erikson, experimenting and wrestling with your identity
middle adulthood
according to Erikson, generativity - a focus on giving time and energy to family and work; self absorption or stagnation - the "mid-life crisis", a concentration of time and energy on one's own interests
Lawrence Kohlberg's 6 stages/3 levels of moral reasoning
1st level - avoid punishment & get rewards 2nd level - peer pressure & obeying rules 3rd level - beliefs & ethics
Carol Gilligan criticizes Kholberg
claims that men think about rights and justice, while women have feelings of compassion, are nurturing, and seek peaceful accommodation; many studies have proved her wrong
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