Behavior Genetics and Psychological Traits

A series of flashcards focusing on key vocabulary related to behavior genetics and its influence on psychological traits.

Behavior Genetics

The field that estimates the proportion of variability in psychological traits that can be attributed to genetic factors.

Independent Variable

A hallmark of experimental research which is manipulated to observe its effect on a dependent variable.

Heritability

A descriptive statistic indicating the proportion of variation in a trait that can be attributed to genetic differences.

Selective Breeding

A method in behavior genetics where specific organisms are bred for particular traits to study genetic influences.

Correlation Coefficient

A statistical measure that indicates the extent to which two variables are related.

Monozygotic Twins

Identical twins who share 100% of their genes, resulting from a single fertilized egg splitting.

Dizygotic Twins

Fraternal twins who share about 50% of their genes, resulting from two separate fertilized eggs.

Evolutionary Psychology

The study of how evolutionary processes shape human behavior and psychological traits.

Comparative Approach

An approach in evolutionary psychology that studies behavior across different species to understand the evolution of traits.

Endophenotype

A genetic predisposition that can reflect an underlying genetic determinant related to a psychological trait.

Gene-Environment Interaction

The effect of environmental factors on the expression of genetic predispositions.

Genetic Variability

The degree to which individuals in a population differ genetically, affecting traits or behaviors.

Environmental Variability

Differences in environmental influences that can affect individuals' behavioral outcomes.

IQ Heritability

Research indicates that intelligence quotient (IQ) shows high heritability, increasing over time.

Personality Traits

Stable characteristics that influence behavior, thought, and emotion, often assessed through personality assessments.

Twin Studies

Research designs that compare the traits of twins to assess the relative contribution of genetics and environment.

Critical Commentary

A thorough analysis and critique of the methodologies and findings in behavior genetics research.