1.1 Interaction of Heredity and Environment

Behavior Genetics

The study of how genetic and environmental factors influence behaviors.

Biological Psychology

Also known as bio/neuropsychology; the study of how the brain and nervous system influence behavior, thoughts, and emotions.

Effective Psychological Environment

The psychological atmosphere created by interactions and relationships that influence an individual's behavior and development.

Epigenetics

The study of changes in gene expression that do not involve alterations to the DNA sequence, influenced by environmental factors.

Epigenetic Marks

Chemical modifications to DNA or associated proteins that influence gene activity without changing the DNA sequence.

Evolutionary Psychology

The study of how evolutionary principles shape human behaviors and mental processes.

Extroversion

A personality trait characterized by outgoing, sociable, and energetic behavior.

Wilhelm Wundt

Considered the 'father of psychology' and founder of the first psychology lab.

Structuralism

A theory that breaks down mental processes into simpler parts to study the mind.

Introspection

The examination of one's own conscious thoughts and feelings.

Functionalism

A psychological approach focused on how mental and behavioral processes operate.

Psychodynamic Approach

Originally developed by Sigmund Freud; it focuses on the unconscious motives shaping personality.

Behaviorism

A theory focusing on observable behavior rather than internal mental processes.

Sociocultural Approach

Analyzes how cultural and social factors impact an individual's experiences.

Humanistic Approach

Emphasizes personal growth and self-actualization.

Cognitive Approach

Focuses on how individuals interpret, process, and remember information.

Biological Approach

Examines the links between biological processes and psychological phenomena.

Biosocial Approach

Explores how thoughts, feelings, and behaviors impact health, combining socio-cultural and biological elements.

Fraternal Twins

Twins that develop from two different eggs fertilized by two different sperm, sharing about 50% of their genes.

Genes

Units of heredity passed from parents to offspring, determining traits.

Gene Expression Blockage

A process where gene expression is inhibited, preventing the gene from producing its corresponding protein.

Genomes

The complete set of genes or genetic material in an organism.

Heritability

The proportion of variation in traits among individuals attributed to genetics.

Identical Twins

Twins that develop from a single fertilized egg that splits into two, sharing 100% of their genes.

IQ Correlation

The degree to which intelligence quotient (IQ) scores are related among individuals.

Methyl Molecules

Small chemical groups that can attach to DNA, affecting gene expression without changing the sequence.

Molecular Genetics

The study of genes at a molecular level and how they influence traits and behaviors.

Natural Selection

The process by which organisms better adapted to their environment tend to survive and produce more offspring.

Nature vs. Nurture Debate

The discussion regarding the contributions of genetics and environment to human behavior and traits.

Thomas Bouchard

A psychologist known for his research on twins and heritability of traits.

Twin and Adoption Studies

Research methods comparing twins and adoptees to study genetics and environment.

Subjective

Based on personal feelings or opinions rather than external facts.

Objective

Based on observable phenomena and facts, independent of personal feelings.