Nature, Nurture, and Human Diversity

behavior genetics

the study of how genetics and environment influence behavior

environment

"nurture" or every non-genetic influence, like prenatal nutrition or the people around us

chromosomes

"nature" structures made of DNA that contain the genes

DNA

molecules containing the genetic information

genes

"nature" parts of DNA that can synthesize proteins

genome

all the genetic material in the chromosomes

monozygotic twins

identical twins from one fertilized egg

dizygotic twins

fraternal twins from two separate eggs

temperament

a person's typical emotional reactivity and intensity

heritability

how much variation among individuals we can attribute to genes

molecular genetics

subfield of biology that studies the molecular structure of genes

molecular behavior genetics

the study of how genes interact with our environment to influence behavior

epigenetics

the study of the influence of the environment on gene expression without changing the gene

evolutionary psychology

the study of the evolution of behavior and mind, using principles of natural selection

natural selection

traits that help us reproduce and survive are most likely to be passed on to the next generation

mutation

random error in gene replication that leads to change

social script

cultural guide of how to act in various situations

interaction

the effect of one factor depends on another factor

culture

enduring behaviors, ideas, attitudes, values, and traditions shared by a group of people and transmitted to the next generation

norm

understood rule for behavior

individualism

giving priority to one's own goals over the group's goals

collectivism

giving priority to the group's goals over the individual's goals

sex

biological characteristics that make someone male or female

gender

socially influenced characteristics that influence the definition of man or woman

aggression

any physical or verbal behavior intended to hurt someone

relational aggression

an act of aggression intended to harm a person's relationship

X chromosome

sex chromosome found in men and women; females have two; men have one

Y chromosome

sex chromosome found only in males

testosterone

male sex hormone

puberty

period of sexual maturity when a person is capable of reproducing

primary sex characteristics

body structures that make sexual reproduction possible

secondary sex characteristics

non-reproductive sexual traits

spermarche

first ejaculation

menarche

first menstrual period

disorder of sexual development

inherited condition that involves unusual development of the sex chromosome and anatomy

role

norms about a social position

gender roles

expected behaviors for males or females

gender identity

our sense of being male, female, or both

social learning theory

theory that we learn social behavior by watching others and being rewarded or punished

gender typing

taking a typical masculine or feminine role

androgyny

displaying both masculine and feminine psychological characteristics

transgender

people whose gender identity differs from that associated with their birth sex