Genetics and Evolution

Epigenetics

Environmental experiences can influence the expression and suppression of genes passed on the next generation

Polygenic

A single behavior can be caused by multivariant interactions of specific several genes.

Diathesis-stress Model

A genetic predisposition to disorders like depression can be inherited however, an environmental trigger like child trauma is required to make depression manifest itself

Maturationism

While development behavioral varies, some universal pattern appeared to be common.

Plasticity

The brain undergoes, physical chemical, and structural changes in response to environments

Genotype

The traits encoded in an organism DNA each contributed by the pair. 23 pairs. One set from each of the parents

Phenotype

The set of traits that finally manifest themselves in an individuals, body appearance and behavior

Concordance

The extent of alignment of several phenotypes

Twin Studies

Comparing MZ and DZ twin, for coordinates of phenotype

Family Studies

Comparing phenotype of immediate and extended family for concordance

Adoption Studies

Birth mother phenotype can be compared to offspring phenotype to isolate environmental factor from genetic factors

Molecular Genetics

Using modern technology to map the genotype of known factors associated with specific alleles and compare to the resultant phenotype

Human Growth Hormone

Regulates growth of bones and muscles

Prolactin

Stimulates milk, production in women

Oxytocin

• Stimulating labor in women, trust maternal behaviors

• the master gland, controlling other gland

Thyroxin

Controls metabolism

Cortical Steroids

Increase resistance to stress and promote muscle development cause liver to release stored sugar

Adrenaline/Nonadrenaline

Arouse the body fight or fly response sympathetic nervous system.

Estrogen

Faster, growth, and development of female sex characteristics

Progesterone

• Prepare the body for pregnancy growth of female set organs.

• regulates menstrual cycle

Testosterone

Prenatally caused the growth of male sex organs aid in growth of muscles, bones, and primary and secondary sex characteristics

Maturation

In their discussions of the process of development, the advocates of nature in the nature-nurture controversy emphasize which of the following?

One-year-old Marcus turns away in disgust if a bitter substance is placed on his tongue. The reason for such a reaction is most likely

an inborn distaste for bitter that protects us from potential poisons in the environment

Nature versus nurture

The argument over the relative contributions of heredity and environment in the development of various behaviors and personality traits is known as which of the following controversies?

Correlation

Dimitri and Dominic are identical twins who were separated at birth and raised by different families. When they found each other through DNA tracking, they were surprised to see how different they were. Which research method would a psychologist most likely use to document their behavioral differences?

A mutation in a species of lizards that allows them to better blend into their surroundings leads to greater survival and more offspring possessing this mutation in a later generation.

Which solution scenario best exemplifies the theory of natural selection

A case study, because both heredity and environment are important in determining length and height.

Trinna and Suzanne are identical twins who were the same length at birth. They were adopted by different families at birth and then reconnected in their early thirties. Trinna is two inches shorter and was a severely selective eater as a child. A researcher was conducting an investigation about twins separated at birth. What research method and explanation best fit this scenario?

According to evolutionary theorists, which of the following explains the tendency to quickly organize individuals into in-group and out-group categorizations?

The need to categorize and react to unfamiliar individuals

Cognitive

A researcher conducted a study to investigate whether women in the first trimester of pregnancy score higher on levels of disgust than women who are in a later stage of pregnancy. The researcher believes that being more selective about food choices helps pregnant women avoid diseases that could harm their fetuses.

A researcher from which of the following psychological perspectives would most likely be interested in examining this relationship?

natural selection

The result of the evolutionary process that preserves traits that enhance the adaptation of an organism and suppresses traits that do not is called which of the following?

An evolutionary psychologist would explain that humans desire social interaction, social , and social affiliation due to a need for which of the following?

survival

Of the following, an evolutionary psychologist will most likely investigate the

factors that make a person feel accepted by others

Which of the following findings provides the strongest evidence for the role of heredity in intellectual performance?

Identical twins reared apart have more similar intelligence test scores than do fraternal twins reared together.

Which of the follow scenarios is the best example of natural selection?

During a drought, the foliage in a region turns brown. More brownish moths than whitish moths from a particular breed survive predation and produce more offspring. Subsequent generations of moths have a higher percentage of brownish moths than the generation before.

Research on human mating preferences suggests that men place greater value on physical attractiveness and youthfulness, whereas women place greater value on social status and financial resources. Which of the following psychological points of view best explains this behavior?

Evolutionary

Which of the following is the best evidence that environment plays a role in intelligence?

Identical, twins reared together are more similar than identical, twins reared apart

evolutionary

Which theory of motivation is most likely to suggest that a younger woman would be attracted to an older man because of his greater ability to provide for her