Principles of Genetics

behavior genetics

study of genetic basis of behavior and personality differences among people

monogentic

determined by one gene

polygenetic

determined by several genes

heritability

determines how much of a trait’s variation within a population is due to genes

which studies are used by psychologists to see whether, and to what extent, characteristics are genetic

family, studies, twin studies, and adoption studies

evolution

change in the frequency of genes in a population

theory of natural selection

inherited characteristics that give an organism a survival or reproductive advantage are passed on more to future generations than other inherited characteristics

adaptation

inherited characteristic that increases in a population because it provides a survival or reproductive advantage

inclusive fitness

the reproductive fitness of an individual organism plus any effect that the organism has on increasing reproductive fitness in related organisms

evolutionary theory

explains patters in psychological characteristics

parental investment

refers to all the resources spent to produce and raise off spring

sexual selection

refers to the tendency of females to choose mates based on certain characteristics, which are then passed on to their male offspring