psych part part

Behavior Genetics

The study of the relative power and limits of genetic and environmental influences on behavior.

Heredity

The genetic transfer of characteristics from parents to offspring.

Environment

Every external influence, from prenatal nutrition to the people and things around us.

Chromosomes

Threadlike structures made of DNA molecules that contain the genes.

DNA (deoxyribonucleic acid)

A complex molecule containing the genetic information that makes up the chromosomes.

Genome

The complete instructions for making an organism, consisting of all the genetic material in that organism's chromosomes.

Identical (monozygotic) twins

Twins who develop from a single fertilized egg that splits in two, creating two genetically identical organisms.

Fraternal (dizygotic) twins

Twins who develop from separate fertilized eggs, sharing a fetal environment but genetically no closer than siblings.

Separated identical twins

Twins separated at birth and raised in different environments, useful for studying heredity vs. environment.

Temperament

A person's characteristic emotional reactivity and intensity, often apparent from birth.

Heritability

The proportion of variation among individuals that can be attributed to genes, varying with populations and environments.

Epigenetics

The study of environmental influences on gene expression that occur without a DNA change.

Twin studies

Research comparing similarities between identical and fraternal twins to assess genetic influence.

Adoption studies

Research comparing adopted children to their biological and adoptive parents to separate genetic and environmental influences.

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 enhance survival and reproduction are more likely to be passed on.

Selection effect

The tendency for individuals to seek peers with similar interests, influencing decisions like joining sports teams.

Pruning process

The elimination of unused synaptic connections in the brain during childhood and adolescence.

Individualist cultures

Cultures that prioritize individual goals and achievements over group goals.

Collectivist cultures

Cultures that emphasize group goals and interdependence over individual achievement.

Sex

The biological distinction between males and females based on chromosomes, hormones, and reproductive organs.

Gender

The socially constructed roles and characteristics defining male and female in a culture.

Social script

A culturally modeled guide for behavior in various situations, including gender roles.

Aggression

Any behavior intended to harm someone physically or emotionally.

Relational aggression

Social behavior aimed at damaging someone's relationships or social standing.

X chromosomes

The sex chromosome found in both men and women; females have two, males have one.

Y chromosomes

The sex chromosome found only in males, paired with an X chromosome to produce a male child.

Gender role

Expected behaviors, attitudes, and traits for males or females based on cultural norms.

Gender identity

Our sense of being male, female, or somewhere in between.

Social learning theory

The theory that we learn social behavior through observation, imitation, and reinforcement.

Gender typing

The acquisition of traditional masculine or feminine roles.

Androgyny

Displaying both traditional masculine and feminine psychological characteristics.

Transgender

An umbrella term for people whose gender identity or expression differs from their birth sex.

Biopsychosocial approach

An integrated approach incorporating biological, psychological, and social-cultural levels of analysis.